∙    In high school he was one of the leading area runners twice winning the prestigious Trailblazer Cross-Country Invitational in 1977 and 1978

∙   Rick was the SFTC Comeback Runner Award in 1987

Rick has been a regular volunteer at SFTC events.

∙   Where he truly shines for many years is as one of the area’s leading Ultramarathon runners.  On January 27, 2024 Rick completed his 300th Ultra Race as he finished the NC Fat Ass 50K at Camp Millstone at Ellerbe, NC. 

As of November 21, 2025, he has completed 329 races 50K or greater, 38 of which are 100 MILES or longer. He only counts actual races. 

∙   The list of ultras that he’s completed includes some of the most challenging events where he’s shown an amazing year to year consistency of stamina and participation.  Just a few of his notable listings are: 

▪  Mount Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon (note: this annual event is held in February) where he’s completed the 40 miler 14 times and the marathon twice. The 40 miler was his first ultramarathon in 2003.

▪  Umstead where’s he completed the 100 miler 10 times, the 50 miler once, and the marathon once. He received his 1000-mile buckle there in 2021.

▪  Mountain Masochist Trail Marathon 50 Miler which he’s completed 13 times and the 50k once (he did the 50K 11/1/25).

▪ Iron Mountain Trail Race held in September which he’s completed the race all 19 times with the 50 miler 12 times and the 30 miler six times and the 16 miler 1 time. 

▪ Hellgate 100KM which he’s completed 14 times.

▪  The Barkley Fall Classic where he’s completed the 50 K 3 times and has 1 marathon finish.

▪ The VOL State 500KM which he’s completed 3 times. 

• HOTS 332 miler once.
• He has run a sub 2:30 marathon at the Shamrock in VA Beach. 
• Finished in the top 100 in the Boston Marathon 

      The other area that Rick Gray outshines the competition is that he is the running community’s ultimate cheerleader as at so many races after he’s finished, he will remain at the finish line cheering on all the other competitors and it’s never about him.  He is fondly referred to as the Pied Piper as he has the ability to convince people to do things they never imagined possible. He provides encouragement, training tips, general advice, and an invaluable camaraderie to everyone around him.