Saucony has strengthened its athlete roster by signing a seven-time USA Track and Field champion.
On Monday, Saucony announced that 39-year-old track and field star Sam Chelanga has signed a professional contract with the brand. Chelanga is a seven-time USA Track and Field champion and won the silver medal in the 10,000m event at the 2023 Pan Am Games. Additionally, he was an alternate for the 10,000m on the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team.
Most recently, Chelanga placed third at the Bolder Boulder 10K in Boulder, Colo., on May 27, finishing with a time of 29:22.
"Sam is joining our brand not only as a super-talented and versatile athlete, but also as a great role model. He inspires others with his hard work, resilience and leadership. After a successful 2023 coming off a fresh marathon PR at Chicago, Sam is hitting his stride as he prepares for the 10,000m at the U.S. Olympic Trials in June in Eugene, Ore., to qualify for Paris, and will continue to compete in the World Marathon Majors.
As a Boston-based brand, we are thrilled that Sam shares our love for Beantown. In addition to running Boston, he has participated in the B.A.A. Half four times, the 10K three times and the 5K twice. His journey continues to be a testament to the power of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s dreams. We are excited to welcome Sam to the Saucony family."
- Saucony vice president of product and sports marketing Ted Fitzpatrick
Originally from Kenya, Chelanga moved to the United States in 2006. As a college athlete at Liberty University, he won four NCAA titles and set the NCAA record in the 10,000m.
Saucony confirmed Chelanga trains and races in its Endorphin collection. Additionally, the brand mentioned he helps its product team in developing and testing future Endorphin products.
Although Chelanga is the latest athlete to sign with Saucony, he isn’t the only runner the brand has added to its roster. For instance, Saucony announced in March that it signed Vanessa Fraser, a seven-time All-American from Stanford University who has set personal bests in the 3,000m indoors (8:51); 5,000m indoors (14:48); 10,000m (31:52); and half marathon (1:11:00). She turned pro in 2018.