News from the major brands and associations in the world of run specialty.
Saucony and Minted New York Launch Chrome Endorphin Pro 5
Saucony and Minted New York return with their third collaboration, unveiling a limited-edition take on the Endorphin Pro 5. The release “builds on a shared commitment to design precision, innovation and cultural awareness, bringing a refined aesthetic to Saucony’s fastest franchise.”
The Minted New York x Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 blends performance engineering with chrome design details. High-shine chrome finishes, metallic silver laces and Minted New York’s signature “Minted blue” accents create a distinctive visual language that reflects both brands’ attention to craft and intention.
“The Minted New York team brings an incredible drive for perfection and creativity to everything they do,” explains Jason Faustino, senior director of global energy at Saucony. “They have a deep understanding of culture and how design can resonate beyond performance alone. The Endorphin Pro 5 was the ideal silhouette to collaborate on, allowing us to merge best-in-class innovation with their unique design aesthetic and storytelling.”
At its core, the shoe delivers Saucony’s most advanced performance technology. The Endorphin Pro 5 features the Endorphin Collection DNA, including PWRRUN PB and PWRRUN HG cushioning for energy return, a full carbon fiber plate for propulsion and a PWRTRAC rubber outsole for grip.
The Saucony x Minted New York Endorphin Pro 5 will be available in unisex sizing from 3.5–14 for a suggested retail price of $250.
Saucony Appoints Wendy Kula as Chief Marketing Officer
Also at Saucony, the company has named Wendy Kula as chief marketing officer where she will lead Saucony’s global marketing organization and shape how the brand shows up across performance running, lifestyle and culture.
Kula joins Saucony with more than two decades of experience building influential sport and consumer brands through consumer-led strategy and modern marketing. Most recently, she served as VP–women’s brand marketing, North America, at Nike, where she led campaigns across sport, running and training.
At Saucony, Kula will oversee global brand marketing, digital marketing, creative and go-to-market strategy. She will partner closely with product, sales, and direct-to-consumer teams to strengthen brand clarity, elevate storytelling and support growth across key performance and lifestyle franchises.
Kane and Matt Johnson Team For Second Collab
Ultra marathoner, veteran, running coach to Jelly Roll, Kane athlete and the first and fastest man to run across Texas, Matt Johnson, recently completed the Texas Ironman in 10 hours and 9 minutes and Kane Footwear is celebrating by dropping its second collab shoe with him in time for Memorial Day.
Matt’s second collaboration with Kane was built around resilience, recovery and purpose, inspired by his nonstop pursuit of pushing physical limits. With “Built Different” displayed on the back and “Made For More” written inside the shoe, this collab continues the mission: move forward, never backward.
The Revive recovery shoe is designed to help tired legs and feet bounce back after a high performance. Key recovery benefits include:
- Stimulation: Raised footbed nodes activate blood flow in key pressure points
- Supportive: Anatomical last design comfortably secures heel, arch and instep.
- Rebounds: Built for smooth transferability and energy return from heel to toes
Pirrello Named SaaS Executive Director
Start Without a Shot (SWaS), the global initiative working to replace traditional starter sounds (eg., gunshots, airhorns, canons) with inclusive, non-triggering alternatives, recently appointed Emily Smith Pirrello as its executive director. A seasoned strategist, nonprofit leader and management consultant, Pirrello will lead the organization’s next phase of growth as it scales adoption across races, institutions and governing bodies worldwide.
Pirrello brings a track record at the intersection of global impact, culture and organizational leadership. She previously served as the first Chief of Staff of FP2020 at the United Nations Foundation, a landmark global health partnership, and was a member of the executive leadership team at the Sundance Institute, host of the renowned Sundance Film Festival, where she led the search for the festival’s future location.
Start Without a Shot was born out of a simple but powerful insight: the traditional starting gun used in races can be triggering for many participants, including veterans, survivors of trauma and individuals with sensory sensitivities. The initiative provides a research-backed alternative start sound that preserves the excitement of competition while creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Since its debut at the Kyiv City Marathon in 2024, the SWaS sound has been adopted by hundreds of races globally, with growing support from athletic organizations, race directors, and advocacy groups. The initiative aims to achieve widespread
Running USA Names Chittim Manager of Business Development
Running USA hired Matt Chittim as manager of business development. Based in Coventry, RI, Chittim joins Running USA following nearly a decade in the running media space through his work with Rambling Runner Media.
As host of the Rambling Runner Podcast and co-host of Road to the Trials and Relay, Chittim has produced more than 1000 podcast episodes with his podcasts ranked among the top running podcasts and within the top 100 sports podcasts in the United States, according to Running USA.
Chittim’s professional background also includes experience in fundraising and development within higher education. He previously served as a major gifts officer at Providence College and Johnson & Wales University, where he cultivated donor relationships, executed strategic fundraising campaigns, and generated more than $1 million annually in philanthropic support. His early career included roles in relationship management, communications, and program development at Brown University and Roger Williams University.
In his new role, Chittim will focus on supporting and onboarding new and existing Running USA members, expanding Running USA’s partnerships, and developing new revenue streams.
Tailwind Nutrition Partners with The Conservation Alliance
Tailwind Nutrition, a provider of simple and complete nutrition products, has partnered with The Conservation Alliance to support its mission of protecting North America’s wild places. Tailwind Nutrition will donate ten percent of sales of its new Mango Yuzu Endurance Fuel to the Conservation Alliance.
Tailwind Nutrition has historically provided philanthropic donations to organizations that support access to the outdoors, including the American Hiking Society, Durango Devo, Durango Trails, and Silver Stallion Bicycle & Coffee Works. As a member of The Conservation Alliance’s Business Advocacy Network, Tailwind Nutrition recently gave five percent of net sales during Earth Week, April 19-25, 2026, to the organization. With the launch of Mango Yuzu Endurance Fuel, Tailwind will be extending its giveback program beyond Earth Week to further the goals of The Conservation Alliance.
“When we think about why Tailwind Nutrition exists, the answer always starts in the same place: the outdoors,” explains Jenny Vierling, co-founder of Tailwind Nutrition. “Every product Tailwind produces is intended for people who feel most alive outside, whether on a trail, a gravel road, or a mountain top. We are proud to support the work of The Conservation Alliance to protect wild places across North America, and preserve access for all recreational users.”
The Conservation Alliance is involved fighting against proposals to sell off public lands and new threats that face communities across the country. Partnering with brands like Tailwind Nutrition that share a value of preserving nature is critical for the Alliance’s movement.
“Partnerships like this with Tailwind Nutrition show how businesses can play a meaningful role in protecting the places we all depend on,” explains Paul Hendicks, executive director of The Conservation Alliance. “The Conservation Alliance brings companies together to support on-the-ground conservation and advocate for policies that protect our lands and waters. Since 1989, that work has helped protect more than 125 million acres and nearly 5,000 river miles. Collaborations like the Mango Yuzu release help turn everyday choices into real and lasting impact.”
