WALTHAM, MA and CANTON, MA (March 27, 2018) – It’s a fact: Runners are obsessed with coffee and yes, donuts. On any given Sunday, with a fresh brew in the tank, runners hit the pavement, ramping-up mileage, endorphins and a feeling known as “runger” (running-induced hunger). With the long run in the books, a donut goes a long way in satisfying the cravings of any running crew. To celebrate Boston 2018 and the symbiotic relationship between runners and their buzzworthy obsession, two iconic Boston-based brands, Saucony and Dunkin’ Donuts, today announced the launch of the Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9. The limited-edition Kinvara 9, the first-ever footwear collaboration between the two brands, will beavailable for pre-order beginning March 27 at saucony.com.
“As we celebrate Saucony’s 120th anniversary we’re proud to honor our hometown marathon and Boston’s rich running heritage in partnership with Dunkin’ Donuts, a brand known for ‘keeping America running,’” said Amanda Reiss, chief marketing officer of Saucony. “The Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9 celebrates the joy, determination and delicious obsession of runners everywhere with a sense of playfulness that’s true to the heart and soul of both brands. And just as the marathon brings out the best in all of us, Saucony continually strives to create the best gear in our world, so that runners everywhere can boldly run theirs.”
“We’ve been keeping America running on Dunkin’ for decades and we’re thrilled to partner with Saucony to literally keep Bostonians running this marathon season,” said Justin Unger, director of strategic partnerships at Dunkin’ Brands. “We’re always looking for new ways for our guests to experience and enjoy Dunkin’ Donuts and the Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9 is yet another way they can do so.”
The limited-edition version of the award-winning Kinvara 9, named “Editor’s Choice” by Runner’s World in the 2018 Spring Shoe Guide, features a white-based upper emblematic of the iconic Dunkin’ Donuts box. A strawberry-frosted donut on the shoe’s heel is surrounded by a flurry of orange, magenta and chocolate-colored sprinkles, representing the playful color palette of the Dunkin’ Donuts brand.
In addition to a Dunkin’ Donuts’ logo at the top of the shoe’s tongue, the brand’s signature tagline America Runs on Dunkin® is placed in the center heel along the reflective stripe. The Saucony river logo, located on each side of the shoe, features a coffee-bean print detail. The sockliners of the limited-edition release are energized with splashy images of Dunkin’ Donuts hot and iced coffee.
The Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9 comes in a unique custom package that recreates the classic Dunkin’ Donuts box. Three sets of laces ship with each pair−black, orange and magenta−allowing wearers to customize their look.
The lightweight Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9 features the brand’s award-winning EVERUN™ topsole for enhanced energy return and continuous cushioning from first step to last.
More about the Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9 Collaboration:Saucony’s exclusive retail partner Marathon Sports will host a launch event on April 3 to celebrate the release of the Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9.Complimentary Dunkin’ Donuts coffee will be served at the Saucony booth during the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. Dunkin’ Donut employees along the marathon route will be outfitted in custom Saucony t-shirts as they cheer runners and host fans. The day after the marathon, Dunkin’ Donuts and Saucony will supply coffee and donuts at a Saucony medal-engraving event at Marathon Sports on Boylston Street in Boston.
Fun Facts:
- Saucony athlete and 2018 Boston competitor, Olympian Molly Huddle, enjoys a donut as her favorite post-run reward.
- During his training runs, Tim Ritchie, Saucony athlete and 2018 Boston competitor, has counted 18 Dunkin’ Donuts stores along the marathon course.
- Coffee is the #1 mentioned food and beverage item by runners with donuts #6, according to Strava.
Where to Purchase the Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9:· Available for pre-order beginning March 27 at saucony.com (Orders to ship April 3)· All Marathon Sports locations and online at marathonsports.com beginning April 3 · Select specialty running retailers beginning April 3· Saucony booth at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo, Seaport World Trade Center,1 Seaport Ln, Boston, Massachusetts, April 13-April 15To find a Saucony retailer near you, call 800-365-4933 or visit www.saucony.com.*Offer valid 4/9/18 - 4/20/18. Bonus Point Offers can only be earned during promo period on eligible On-the-Go Mobile Ordering purchases made using a DD Card enrolled in the DD Perks Program. Valid at participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurants in New England, excluding Fairfield County, CT.About Saucony: Saucony, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, is a leading global running lifestyle brand that fuses performance, innovation and style to create compelling footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony continues to inspire runners everywhere with its award- winning innovations, including EVERUN™, ISOFIT™, ISOKNIT™, Geometry of Strong™ and the Total Run System™ apparel line. At Saucony, we create the best gear in our world, so that you can boldly run yours. For more information, visit www.Saucony.com; @; Saucony About Dunkin’ Donuts: Founded in 1950, Dunkin' Donuts is America's favorite all-day, everyday stop for coffee and baked goods. Dunkin' Donuts is a market leader in the hot regular/decaf/flavored coffee, iced regular/decaf/flavored coffee, donut, bagel and muffin categories. Dunkin' Donuts has earned a No. 1 ranking for customer loyalty in the coffee category by Brand Keys for 12-years running. The company has more than 12,500 restaurants in 46 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Mass., Dunkin' Donuts is part of the Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN) family of companies. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.####