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 buzz-worthy obsession, two iconic Boston-based brands, Saucony and Dunkin’ Donuts, launched the Saucony X Dunkin’ Kinvara 9. The limited-edition Kinvara 9, the first-ever footwear collaboration between the two brands, will be available 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,’” says 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,” says 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.”

To keep its DD Perks Rewards Program members running even faster, Dunkin’ Donuts throughout New England will have a special Perks offer in honor of marathon season. From April 9 through April 20, DD Perks Rewards members in select New England markets who place an order through On-the-Go Mobile Ordering will earn 2X the points. With the DD Perks Rewards program, guests earn points towards free beverages with each purchase of Dunkin’ coffee, espressos, sandwiches, and more.

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.

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 No. 1 mentioned food and beverage item by runners with donuts No. 6, according to Strava.