GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Dec. 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today leading outdoor brand Merrell announced that top American mountain runner Joseph Gray will be joining the Merrell Ambassador Team as a Global Trail Runner. Gray, an all-star athlete, was most recently awarded the 2015 USA Mountain Runner of The Year Award, making him a 6-time recipient of this award. Together with Gray, Merrell hopes to break down the barriers to trail running, both physical and mental, because nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures.
"Discovering running literally saved my life and spun me in a positive direction," said Merrell Global Ambassador, Joseph Gray. "Collaborating with Merrell to develop quality products that will empower recreational activity and athletes across the globe to reach their personal goals is my goal. I'd like to inspire more African American athletes to try trail running and experience the freedom the mountains undoubtedly provide."
As part of the partnership, Gray will begin testing and collaborating with Merrell's product development team to help develop future trail running footwear and apparel. A current fan of Merrell's trail running shoes, Gray, along with Merrell, understands the confidence that comes from having the right gear to make the outdoors a fun place to be.
"Versatility has always been important to me. I love competing on any and every terrain, whether flat or straight to the sky on a steep grind," said Gray.
In 2016, Gray hopes to set records on some of the historic USA races as well as challenge records on new routes and series across the globe, but his biggest goal is to introduce others to the world of trail running. Through his experiences and accomplishments, Gray hopes to bring more diversity to the sport and inspire young-at-heart adventures to experience the freedom the outdoors provide.
"For Joseph Gray, trail running isn't a challenge, it's a passion and a choice and we're honored to welcome such an inspirational elite athlete to our Ambassador Team," said Linda Brunzell, Chief Marketing Officer, Merrell. "We look forward to cheering him on in the Olympic trials this February."
The all-terrain hero is the first athlete to win North American, Central American and Caribbean Championships in both Cross Country and Mountain Running. Most recently, Gray placed 5th at the 2015 World Mountain Running Championship. A multi-record holder, Gray is the American course record holder for the Mt. Washington Road Race, the first athlete to consecutively win the USA Mountain Running National Championship (in 2013 and 2014) and has made the USA National Team a record 19 times.
To learn more about Joseph Gray visit his Website: Joegeezi.blogspot.com,
Facebook: facebook.com/joegeeziadventuresabove, Twitter: @Joegeezi
About Merrell
Merrell® believes that nothing should get in the way of enjoying active outdoor adventures. Merrell hiking boots, trail running shoes and apparel are built on Merrell's outdoor heritage, quality and performance. The trail is the core of our design philosophy and has continued to guide us in the development of innovative products that inspire and enable enjoyment of the outdoors. www.merrell.com
Socialize with us: Facebook: facebook.com/merrell; Twitter: @merrelloutside; Instagram: @merrelloutside; Blog: merrell.com/thepack.
Contact: Caitlin Roller/ [email protected]/ (212) 679-2233
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