Elite mountain runner and Spenco-sponsored athlete, Joseph Gray has earned the title of Mountain Runner of the Year. USA Track & Field (USATF) recognized Gray on Dec. 4 during its annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif.

Its very special to me to win the USA Mountain Runner of the Year – Lyndon Ellefson Memorial Award once again, said Gray. I have worked extremely hard and dedicated my time to perfect my craft. With the help of great sponsors like Spenco, 2014 was a huge success. This award, named in honor of Lyndon Ellefson, a great ambassador to our sport, calls for a time of reflection on his passionate work and colorful life.

Gray is a member of Team Spenco, signing a sponsorship agreement earlier this year with the company whose name is synonymous with foot care. In the last year, Gray has worn Spenco IRONMAN® Race insoles to help cushion for the jagged rocks he often faces. He also uses Spenco medical products, like the 2nd Skin® Blister Kit. When hes not racing, youll find Gray recovering in Spencos line of supportive, trend-setting shoes and sandals.

I believe in promoting products that I truly deem beneficial and well worth their cost, Gray said. Spenco products help me with the ‘3 R’s: Recovery, Replenish, and Repeat. These products allow my feet to recover more quickly, improving my performance when its time to get back out on the mountains.

Gray, who lives and trains in Colorado Springs, Colo., has a long list of accomplishments including being a six-time North American Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Champion, an eight-time USA National Champion, a 15-time USA National Team Member, the first African-American to win the USA National Mountain Running Championship, and the first athlete to win NACAC titles in Cross Country and Mountain Running.

This is the fifth time Gray has been awarded the Mountain Runner of the Year title.

Joseph is a tremendous athlete, and were honored as a company to know that our products have played a role in helping him achieve such incredible heights, said Jeff Antonioli, Spencos vice president of sales and marketing. We congratulate him on this well-deserved honor and look forward to watching his career continue to unfold.

Watch a documentary clip profiling Joseph Gray, courtesy of Ian MacLellan by clicking http://vimeo.com/72356075.