Phil is an elite ultramarathon runner who has run dozens of marathons and ultramarathons around the world since 1997, including many of the world’s toughest and most prestigious races. In 2018 he ran across the USA in one of the fastest times.
Phil was a sprinter in high school, with an 11.2 second 100 meter best. In 1994 he moved to New York City where he became active in distance running. His first marathon was the 1997 New York Marathon, and his first ultra was the Kurt Steiner 50K in Central Park in 2002.
A classically-trained pianist, with music degrees from the University of Nebraska and the University of Michigan, who transformed himself into a pro runner.
Phil is a very experienced and accomplished ultrarunner.
He set the American record for 48 hours, 2011, at 257.34 miles, is a
two-time 24-hour national champion, 2009 (151 miles), 2011 (153 miles), and run on the American team for the 24-hour world championships five times (with a 4th place finish at worlds in 2007).
He finished the famed Spartathlon race in Greece twice, including top American in 2017, finished in the top 10 at the notoriously tough Badwater Ultra three times.
Phil completed his Transcontinental run from San Francisco to New York in 2018 in 49 days, 7 hours, 55 minutes.
PRs:
5K – 17:34, Run for the Olympic Bid, 2005, Central Park, New York
10K – 36:36, Healthy Kidney 10K, 2007, Central Park, New York
Half Marathon – 1:19:55, Brooklyn Half Marathon, 2008
Marathon – 2:50:55, Boston Marathon, 2011
50K – 3:25:52, Caumsett Park 50K, 2009, Lloyd Harbor, NY
50 Mile – 6:17:49, Metropolitan 50 Mile, Queens, NY, 2007
100 Mile – 15:27:06, Beast of Burden Summer, Lockport, NY, 2015
100 Mile (unofficial split) – 14:31, Northcoast 24 Hour, 2011
24 Hour – 154.48 Miles – IAU 24 Hour World Challenge, Drummondville, PQ 2007
48 Hour – 257.34 Miles, Three Days at the Fair, Augusta, NJ, 2011 (American Record 2011-2017)
6 Day – 462 Miles, Sri Chinmoy Self-Transcendence 6-Day, Queens, NY, 2013
As a running tour guide and as race director of the Great New York 100mile/100K Running Exposition he shows people the most beautiful spots of the Big Apple on foot, while helping to get the best out of themselves.
Running tours
Whether you’re visiting New York City, or are a lifelong resident looking to explore new areas with someone who knows the way, let Phil show you some of New York’s beautiful parks, beaches, bridges, woods, neighborhoods and pathways that most visitors and even many residents don’t know about, in all five boroughs and beyond. It is an excellent way to explore the city for the adventurous runner.
Most runs are 7-10 miles long, not strenuous terrain, and with start and end points easily accessible by subway. Individuals or groups welcome.
We cover all five boroughs and beyond, routes are customizable and can be created specially for you. Or join us on one of our featured routes, a small sampling of which includes:
The Parks of Northern Manhattan: A somewhat hilly run, you will visit the beautiful Fort Tryon, Inwood Hill and Highbridge Parks.
Van Cortlandt Park: The gem of the Bronx and the nation’s premier cross-country venue, this is the city’s greatest trail running location.
Stadium to Stadium: Run from Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to CitiField, home of the Mets, in Queens. Includes a visit to the Polo Grounds, location of the original Giants Stadium.
Rockaway Beach: Escape the congestion of the city to Rockaway Beach in Queens. For a longer workout, add on Jacob Riis Park and even Coney Island.
City Island/Orchard Beach: Visit the Bronx’s island community of City Island with its many fresh seafood restaurants, and continue to the majestic Orchard Beach.
Staten Island Seafront: Run from the Staten Island Ferry to Fort Wadsworth, start location of the New York Marathon, and on to the South Beach and Midland Beach Boardwalk.
Prospect Park to Coney Island: A classic Brooklyn run, starting in the famous Prospect Park, and continuing down the wide Ocean Parkway to the Coney Island Boardwalk.
