A British physiotherapist battled against thunderstorms, torrential rain, and 150 competitors during an international mountain-running race.
Karl Gray during the World Mountain Running Championships. Photo: Corsa in Montagna
Karl Gray, who lives in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, represented Great Britain at the World Mountain Running Championships in Premana, Italy, on 30 July.
He finished 32nd in the 20-mile mountain race, which included a 9,500 foot ascent and descent, and was the second British runner to complete the course.
Mr Gray told Frontline: ‘I felt really proud and privileged to represent my country at such a fantastic event.
‘And while I don’t think it was my best performance, I still had a good consistent run and was pleased in the end with my 32nd position.’
Mr Gray, clinical lead physio at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, was previously part of the British team that won silver medals at the mountain running championships in Slovenia last year.
‘I don’t think being a physio helps me as a competitor, as I have a natural enjoyment and drive to compete and to do my best,’ he said.
‘However, I do feel my experience as a physio enables me to train sensibly and consistently, which helps me manage the inevitable niggles and avoid injury.’
Author: Robert Millett
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