November 23, 2008 - (Philadelphia) Two top Ukrainian runners placed first for their team in both the men’s and the women’s division at the Philadelphia Marathon. Andriy Toptun and Vera Ovcharuk crossed the tape as they ran in honor of Staff Sergeant Johnathan Hosley, a soldier from the Wounded Warriors (AW2) program.
Despite the chilling weather and gusty wins, both winners set the stage to encourage Hosley as he is preparing for his big race, the Weather Channel Thanksgiving Atlanta Half Marathon.
These two runners are connected to Hosley by their team Coordinator retired Lieutenant Colonel Sue Bozgoz. Coach Bozgoz, an All Army Marathoner who has run over 50 marathon herself, is dedicated to running with Hosley’s for his first half marathon in Atlanta GA. Last month, Hosley ran alongside Bozgoz with ease for her last six miles at the Marine Corps Marathon.
SSG Hosley was hit by an IED (roadside bomb) in Iraq, which lead to the amputation of his left leg. Despite his recent prosthetic leg, Hosley is now seeking to overcome this hurdle to set an example for his sons to push through any adversity that they may encounter in life.
Teammates Toptun’s marathon winning time of 2:19.58 and Ovacharuk’s 2:44.45, have created positive momentum for Hosley. With these number one performances, the stage is set as Hosley and Bozgoz will take on the 13.1 mile feat on Thursday.
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