Professional runner Vanessa Fraser is being recruited by Saucony.
The footwear brand owned by Wolverine Worldwide, Saucony, announced that Fraser will use their Endorphin sneaker collection for her training and racing. This includes the recently updated Endorphin Pro 4, released just last month.
The updated Endorphin Pro 4 boasts an enhanced dual-cushioning system; a refined upper combined with a flat knit tongue construction; and a "Super Responsive Sockliner", fashioned from a special foam processed with supercritical methods.
Saucony's Vice President of Product and Sports Marketing, Ted FitzPatrick, announced on Friday that Vanessa Fraser, being a "world-class talent with unlimited potential", has joined the brand's lineup.
"Already, she's had immense success on the track and is looking forward to setting new personal records as well as bringing that speed to the roads. Vanessa embodies the transformational power of running and the joy of passing it forward, further elevating women’s and girls’ participation and achievement in our sport. Not only does Vanessa give it her all on the track and roads, but she also brings that intensity to a career in private equity financing. To thrive in the world of sport and finance, one needs discipline, drive, resilience and adaptability; Vanessa brings that mindset to both with exceptional balance. On behalf of the whole team, we’re excited to have her join the Saucony family."
- Ted FitzPatrick
At the age of 27, Vanessa Fraser, an accomplished athlete with seven-time All-American honors from Stanford University, holds personal records in the 3,000m indoor (8:51), 5,000m indoor (14:48), 10,000m (31:52), and half marathon (1:11:00). Having turned professional in 2018, she currently resides in San Francisco where she trains with Team Boss, a top-tier distance running team situated in Boulder, Colorado.
While at Stanford, Fraser evolved into one of the most remarkable runners the program has ever seen. As a seven-time All-American, she significantly contributed to various nationwide podium finishes for the Stanford team. Her shining college career ended with a victory in the PAC 12 individual 10k race and by shattering the school record for 5,000m (15:09).
Fraser discovered her passion for running in the third grade when she participated in her first 5k run through the Girls on the Run program. She spent her high school years in Scotts Valley High School, located in Northern California. This period in her life concluded with her becoming a two-time Division IV State cross-country champion.
This news follows a few weeks after the parent company of Saucony, Wolverine Worldwide, disclosed its earnings results for the fourth quarter and the entire fiscal year of 2023. During the company's earnings conference with analysts in February, Wolverine Worldwide's President and CEO, Chris Hufnagel, expressed exceptional optimism about Saucony's prospective growth.
"I'm encouraged by Saucony because I think the product pipeline is very good. This comes as the brand has had a long period of time where it was focused on only the elite runner, elite channels and elite products. I think the democratization of innovation is where there is a tremendous opportunity for the brand going forward. And frankly, there's just a broader lifestyle opportunity beyond that core elite runner."
- Hufnagel