Around the time when lockdowns were becoming a reality for most of the U.S., our hosts had the opportunity to slow down and catch up with world-renowned athlete and long-distance runner, Joseph Gray. Living in Colorado, Joseph was enjoying time with his family and took some time out of his training schedule to chat with our No Barriers Team. As part of our Alchemy Series (sponsored by Wells Fargo and Prudential), we are excited to share his episode and story. It is definitely one to inspire.
Joseph Gray is a 36-year-old American world champion runner who competes mostly in trail, mountain, and snowshoe races. The 31-time USA National team member hails from the Pacific Northwest and now splits his time training in Colorado Springs, CO, and Tacoma, WA. His achievements are far too numerous to list out but to name a few: he is a 2-time World Mountain Running Champion (most recently won in 2019), he is the first African American to win the USA Mountain Running National Championship and also the first African American to make the USA World Mountain Running Team. Additionally, he is the first athlete to win the North American, Central American,and Caribbean Championships in Cross Country and Mountain Running.
A few notable Colorado achievements include completing the Manitou Incline in 17 mins and 45 seconds. and is a three-time winner of the Pike’s Peak Ascent. Joseph continues to be a mainstay atop the podium worldwide and strives to see and inspire more diversity in the running world and actively mentors young Black runners in his community.
From Joseph: “I try my hardest to do my part by being an example of what hard work can do in terms of the opportunities this sport has given me and the notion that no matter your upbringing you too can be a National or even World Champion if you work for it.”
Follow Joseph:
Twitter and IG @joegeezi
Facebook.com/journeyofjoegeezi
#ProjectInspireDiversity #journeyofjoegeezi
Check out more No Barriers Stories on our show page: https://nobarriersusa.org/podcast/
Check out this other interview with Joseph: https://www.5280.com/2019/10/joseph-gray-wants-to-see-more-diversity-in-the-mountains/