Trail running is a type of long distance running activity, similar to mountain running, done on any unpaved running surface that is out in nature. The thrill of the sport is being outdoors, beautiful trails and scenery, and pushing your running limits. 

The objective of trail running is to the starting line to the finish line as fast as possible before the other competitors. The first to the finish line wins.

Runners compete for themselves.

• Trail running shoes
• Warm/ cold weather clothing
• Compass/ GPS to guide where the runner is going.
• Running backpack with first aid kit
• Headlamp to see if it’s dark or there is low lighting.
• Safety whistle in case a runner is lost and needs to call for help.

Despite being 38 years old, Joseph Gray continues to run and is one of the most important athletes of the sport. Gray is a 28-time United States national team member and is the only black member of the US mountain running team. He won his first major competition in 2012, where he was the co-winner of the XTERRA Trail Run World Championships. Gray won four more XTERRA Championships between 2016 and 2018. He also holds many track records including trails at Mount Washington, Pikes Peak, Mount Antero, and the Manitou Incline. Across his career, Gray has won 27 gold medals across different ultra running, trail running, mountain running, and cross country competitions.