Many years ago Joseph Gray visited Whidbey Island. He didn’t have on running shoes, he didn’t run a race and he didn’t see much of the island. Gray, who now returns as the 2012 US Road 50K Champion, was a basketball player way back then and “plans to see a bit more of the island this time around.”
Gray, known for his prowess on hills and his multiple mountain/trail championships, should have no problem with the rolling terrain that the half marathon has to offer. Currently building his strength back up after taking some down time after his national title run, he modestly stated “I’d like to have a good showing.” Battle tested at the distance, Gray ran January's Carlsbad(CA) Half Marathon in just over 1:05, so he may be way out front and by himself while touring the island this year. The fastest time in recent years at the Whidbey Island Half Marathon was run by Corey Duguette in 2009; he covered the course in 1:09:39.
Having qualified for the World 50k Championships by winning the US Champs, Gray recently signed with Scott Sports and continues his sponsorships with Mio Watch, Garden of Life, Mushroom Science and Club Northwest. Scott Sports, which has made a big push into trail and ultra running over the last few years, will certainly be pleased to see one of their newest athletes continue to run fast and conquer any hill set before him.
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