A Tacoma runner is one of 10 finalists who could appear on the cover of Runner’s World magazine next month.

Twenty-three-year-old veteran Edward Lychik was seriously injured two years ago when a rocket struck his vehicle while he was on a mission in Afghanistan. His left hip and leg were amputated, and doctors told Lychik (already an avid runner) he would never run again. The Tacoma resident and motivational speaker has since finished four marathons, set a personal best marathon time of four hours and seven minutes, and ran the Boston Marathon earlier this year. More information about Lychik is available online at runnersworld.com/runners-stories/cover-contest-finalist-edward-lychik.

According to Runner’s World magazine, more than 2,300 runners entered the contest, and over half a million fan votes were cast. A panel of judges whittled this list down to 10 finalists. The contest was launched in July when the magazine asked readers to share their stories and photographs of authentic, inspiring, athletic, passionate, and unstoppable runners who have achieved remarkable things through running.

Two runners will be selected on Mon., Nov. 10, to appear on December covers of Runner’s World magazine.