Running News Daily

American marathoner Emma Bates says she has been dropped by her longtime nutrition sponsor UCAN after revealing she is pregnant.

Bates, who owns a personal best of 2:23:18, had been with the Connecticut-based company for nearly four years. During that time, she delivered some of the strongest performances of her career, including a runner-up finish at the 2021 Chicago Marathon and multiple appearances as the top American woman at the Boston Marathon.

According to Bates, the sponsorship ended following news of her pregnancy—a situation that has once again raised questions about how female athletes are supported during one of the most important phases of their lives.

UCAN, however, tells a different story.

“We’re proud of the three-year partnership we had with Emma Bates and the many accomplishments we achieved together,” the company said in a statement. “The partnership decisions were made in September 2025 as part of regular business planning and prior to any knowledge of her pregnancy.

“We made an effort to continue working with Emma under a new agreement, but Emma ultimately chose not to move forward with that option. We’ve always supported—and will continue to support—athletes at all stages of life, including pregnancy and motherhood.”

The differing accounts leave open questions about what changed—and when.

In recent years, the issue of maternity protections in professional running has gained increased attention, with several high-profile athletes speaking out about contract terms, reduced pay, or lost sponsorship during pregnancy.

Bates, one of the most consistent American marathoners of her generation, now finds herself at the center of that ongoing conversation.

Her next chapter—both as an athlete and soon-to-be mother—will be closely followed across the sport.