ZAP Fitness-Reebok athlete Tyler Pennel continued his hot streak at 10 miles this past weekend at the Pittsburgh 10 Miler. Three weeks ago at the US 10 Mile Championships Pennel narrowly missed the win, taking 2nd by a mere 1 second. Pennel turned the script at the Pittsburgh 10 Miler on Sunday with a hard mid-race surge and a blistering final 600 yards to earn a 12-second victory.
After establishing himself in the lead pack that moved through the opening miles in the low to mid 4:40’s Pennel reacted to a strong surge in the 5th mile that would separate the eventual top 3 finishers from the rest of the pack. That 5th mile was covered in an eye-popping 4:21, and to keep the pressure on Pennel went to the front at mile 7 and broke open a lead that he would hold to the finish. Pennel was challenged with 600 meters to go by eventual 2nd place finisher, Mourad Marafit of Morocco, but Pennel responded and sprinted away to a 12 second victory.
Next up for Pennel will be the .us 12k Championships in Alexandria, VA on Nov 15th, the site of Pennel’s breakout 3rd place finish 2 years ago. Pennel will be joined by teammate George Alex. But before that, rookie ZAP-Reebok athletes, Sinead Haughey and Joanna Thompson will be competing at the Philadelphia Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon this Saturday, October 31st.