The Remarkable Feats of Joseph Gray: Outrunning a Train to Mount Washington’s Summit
Joseph Gray, a distinguished mountain runner based in Colorado, continues to redefine the limits of mountain racing. This past June, during the much-anticipated Race the Cog event, Gray accomplished a remarkable feat: he outran the Mount Washington Cog Railway to reach the summit of Mount Washington, completing the challenging 2.75-mile course in a stunning time of 39 minutes and 54 seconds.
Breaking Records in Mountain Running
Gray’s extraordinary achievement is not only a personal victory but also a significant milestone in the history of mountain running. He is the only runner ever to have beaten the Cog Railway to the summit, making this year his second time achieving that rare honor. The first instance occurred in 2022, and since then, he has established an exclusive place in this unique record.
The Challenging Course of Race the Cog
The Race the Cog course ascends over 3,500 vertical feet from the Cog Railway’s base station in Bretton Woods to the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington. This route follows the train tracks nearly the entire way and features an intimidating vertical gain of over 1,200 feet per mile, making it one of the most demanding uphill race profiles in the United States. The steepest stretch, known as Jacob’s Ladder, presents a formidable 37% grade before leading runners into the rugged boulder fields of the Presidential Range.
Compounding the difficulty of the course is the unpredictable weather. Runners this year contended with fog, light rain, and slick rock. With temperatures rapidly transitioning from warm at the base to near-freezing conditions near the summit, participants faced a true test of endurance and adaptability.
A Rewarding Experience
Gray’s stellar sub-40-minute time not only earned him the respect of fellow competitors but also a $1,000 bonus courtesy of the event’s sponsor, Northeast Delta Dental. A veteran of U.S. mountain and trail running, Gray has captivated audiences with his consistent dominance in uphill races for over a decade. Even by his extensive standards, this particular triumph stands out as one of the most impressive physical accomplishments in New England’s trail running history.
Event Significance and Local Competition
The Race the Cog is one of several yearly races that challenge athletes to tackle the daunting slopes of Mount Washington. Just two weeks earlier, the more established Mount Washington Road Race took place, though it faced course modifications due to icy conditions at the summit. This earlier race saw strong performances from local runners such as Amber Ferreira, who excelled as the top New Hampshire female competitor, and Sean McCauley, who made an impressive debut by winning the men’s Crossan Cup.
Both the Race the Cog and the Mount Washington Road Race contribute to the broader Delta Dental Mountain Challenge, a series of seven events held across New England that showcases regional talent. Currently, Christin Doneski leads the women’s series rankings, making her mark just months post breast cancer surgery, while Justin Freeman heads the men’s leaderboard. Together, these events foster a sense of community and competition within the region, allowing runners to showcase their strength and resilience.
Joseph Gray’s Continued Legacy
This year, as the only runner to ever successfully outrun the train, Gray has once again placed himself in the spotlight. His dual victories in the Race the Cog event have etched his name into the annals of mountain running history, creating an inspiring narrative for aspiring athletes.
Gray’s record-breaking performances not only symbolize his individual achievements but also serve to inspire future generations of runners. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible and demonstrating dedication to the sport, he exemplifies the essence of mountain running in a way that resonates with both participants and spectators alike.
Conclusion: A Trailblazer in Every Sense
Joseph Gray’s commitment to excellence and his remarkable ability to conquer Mount Washington’s grueling terrain not only place him as a respected athlete but as a trailblazer within the running community. His journey underscores the relentless spirit of competition, the beauty of the great outdoors, and the friendships forged in the pursuit of shared challenges.
As we look ahead, all eyes will surely be on Gray and his future endeavors in mountain running. With his unmatched combination of skill, speed, and resilience, Joseph Gray is set to continue doing things no one else can, inspiring others to take on the mountains and chase their own dreams along the way.
