Joseph Gray and his T2 Kinabalus Make History
Throughout the summer, SCOTT running athletes have set out to make history. Some journeys are longer than others, but some athletes have already started to see their efforts pay off. Last weekend, Joseph Gray and Ian Sharman each set out with lofty, record-setting goals. While it will take a few more weeks to see the end result for Ian, Gray achieved his goals and made history! Now, as the summer continues on, we continue to watch as SCOTT athletes take the field by storm, proving their athletic and mental toughness.
Joseph Gray: In the Record Books
Photo courtesy USMRT
On Sunday, July 21st, Joseph Gray made history! Competing in the USA Mountain Championships in Cranmore, NH, Joseph ran the 12k course in 56minutes and 23 seconds, securing a 1st place finish, his 5th NACAC Championship and 5th consecutive win, and a spot on the U.S. World Mountain Championship Team. Team USA, led by the fleet-footed Gray in his T2 Kinabalus, took the top 3 men's finishes and took home gold as a team. With his strong performance on the U.S. National course, Joseph should be primed for his appearance on the World Championship course in Poland on September 8, 2013.
Ian Sharman: Continues his Journey to the Grand Slam
Photo courtesy Martin Paldan
On Saturday, July 20th, Ian Sharman battled his way to a 4th place finish at the Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run. Facing fatigue, illness, heat, dehydration, and more, Ian dug deep to push his body and legs the full 100 miles to finish the race. Narrowly escaping the heat wave that had settled over the East Coast for most of the previous week, race day was cooler, but still considerably hot and humid. Finding that his body had not rested as well as he hoped during the 3 weeks in between his two 100 mile races, Ian experienced extreme physical difficulties between miles 30 and 70. By the time he reached mile 80, he managed to find a second wind that pushed him the remaining 20 miles. Finishing just under 16 hours at 15:57:42, Sharman nabbed 4th place and a well-fought finish. Proving his mental toughness, Ian pushes forward towards his Grand Slam finish, eyeing his battles and competitors at the Leadville 100 and Wasatch Range 100 in the coming 7 weeks.
SCOTT Sports White River 50
2012 SCOTT Sports White River 50. Photo courtesy Glenn Tachiyama
On Saturday, July 27th, Crystal Mountain, WA will play host to the SCOTT Sports White River 50 Mile Race. Started in 1993, the White River 50 has become known as one of the most beautiful and scenic of all the ultrarunning events. Undulating through Rainier National Park, covering 10,000 feet of cumulative climbing, and with spectacular views of Mt. Rainier throughout the course, the White River 50 has become a classic for any ultrarunner. Sponsored by SCOTT Sports, the White River 50 offers cash prizes totaling $2,500 to the top 3 male and female finishers, in addition to an extra bonus purse donated by 7 Hills Running Shop. With aid stations run by The Balanced Athlete and Fleet Feet Bonny Lake, the White River 50 has become a community event benefiting the Pierce County Search and Rescue and the Seattle Running Club.
Meghan Arbogast: Returns to White River
Meghan at the Western States 100. Photo courtesy Andre Blumberg
Marking her first appearance at the SCOTT Sports White River 50 since 2010, Meghan Arbogast returns to Washington with her T2 Kinabalus to defend her tittle. In 2010, Meghan dominated the course and took home the top spot on the podium. Coming off of her impressive 4th place finish at the Western States 100, this will be Meghan's 4th race on the White River course, and she currently has the fastest time of all registered women.