Des Linden and Jordan Hasay Both Racing Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Sunday's Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon features defending champion Des Linden. The race will also feature Jordan Hasay. Both runners are competing as they prepare for fall marathons.

Linden used the Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon to help her prepare for last year's New York City Marathon. She finished sixth in New York, running 2:27:51. That came after running 1:11:48 in Philadelphia.

Hasay enters the race in a slightly different position to Linden. After missing a year to injury, Hasay continues her return to racing as she builds toward the Chicago Marathon. She finished third at the Boston Marathon, running 2:25:20, but was forced to withdraw from a half marathon in June.

The Rock 'n' Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon falls four weeks before the Chicago Marathon, providing a look at Hasay's fitness level. On the other hand, the New York City Marathon is still seven weeks away for Linden, meaning there will still be room for improvement should she need it.