Josh Izewski and Tyler Pennel both traveled to the Philadelphia Distance Run for the 2nd year in a row this past Sunday. For Josh, it was a return home, both his brother and sister ran the race and his parents were out on the course cheering. For Tyler it was a chance to take a significant step forward in what has been a rocky 2022 campaign.
Tyler did just that with his 1:05:25 performance and 10th place finish. Tyler entered the year coming off a 2021 that was marred by injury. And even though he returned to consistent training and health, he has twice come down with Covid that derailed buildups and race opportunities.
On a day that saw race temps around 70 degrees it wasn’t the ideal day for running fast. But for Tyler it was still his best effort in quite some time. And as he continues to gain fitness each week, it’s a race that has given him renewed confidence heading into the fall.
Josh tucked in early with the lead pack, intent on competing for the win after finishing 4th a year ago. Josh hung tough with that pack for the first half of the race. Over the 2nd half of the race the pack splintered, and Josh found himself in 5th place. He maintained that place over the final miles and crossed the line with a new half marathon personal best of 1:03:16.
Josh and Tyler will join Andrew Colley and Tristin Van Ord at the US Half Marathon Championships on October 2nd.
You can find full results from the Philadelphia Distance Run here.