Saucony Adds Pro Runner Vanessa Fraser to Roster
Saucony is signing pro runner Vanessa Fraser.
According to the Wolverine Worldwide-owned footwear label, Fraser will be training and racing in Saucony’s Endorphin sneaker collection, including the Endorphin Pro 4, which was just updated last month.
The refreshed version of the Endorphin Pro 4 features an upgraded dual-cushioning system; an improved upper with an integrated flat knit tongue construction; and a “Super Responsive Sockliner” made from a proprietary foam molded in a supercritical fashion.
In a statement on Friday, Ted FitzPatrick, Saucony’s vice president of product and sports marketing, said that Fraser joins the brand’s roster as a “world-class talent with unlimited potential.”
“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,” FitzPatrick said. “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.”
Fraser, 27, is a seven-time All-American from Stanford University, and 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, and is currently based in San Francisco where she trains with Team Boss, an elite distance running team located in Boulder, Colo.
At Stanford, Fraser developed into one of the best runners in the program’s storied history. As a seven-time All-American, she helped the Stanford team to multiple national podium finishes. She capped her college career by winning the PAC 12 individual 10k title and setting the school record for 5,000m (15:09).
Fraser ran her first 5k in third grade through the Girls on the Run program, where she fell in love with the sport. She attended Scotts Valley High School in Northern California and graduated a two-time Division IV State cross-country champion.
This announcement comes weeks after Saucony parent company Wolverine Worldwide announced its fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2023 earnings results. On the company’s earnings call with analysts in February, Wolverine Worldwide president and chief executive officer Chris Hufnagel was especially bullish on Saucony’s future.
“I’m encouraged by Saucony because I think the product pipeline is very good,” Hufnagel said at the time. “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.”