Ryan Hall to Lead Elite Field at ING Philadelphia Distance Run
by Dan Cruz
- August 12, 2009
Hall will run in the ING Philadelphia Distance Run for the first time. Photo: V. Sailor
Half Marathon Record Holder to Debut at Historic U.S. Road Race
The only American to break one hour in the half marathon, U.S. Olympian Ryan Hall will toe the start line at the 32nd Annual ING Philadelphia Distance Run on Sunday, September 20, 2009.
“I’m looking forward to racing my first ING Philadelphia Distance Run this September. There have been some great U.S. performances at the race over the years and I’m hoping to bring a performance that will add my name to the ranks,” said Hall. “The race fits perfectly into my fall schedule and I’m excited to be part of an event with such a great tradition here on home soil.”
Hall set the U.S. half marathon record and earned a national title on January 14, 2007, when he won the men’s U.S. Half Marathon National Championship in 59 minutes 43 seconds. He became the first and only American to break the one-hour barrier at the distance. His time bettered the previous U.S. record by Mark Curp that had stood for 21 years. Four of the top five all-time half marathon performances by U.S. Men on a record standard course, including Curp’s record setting performance in 1985, were run in Philadelphia.
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