A Ton of Philadelphians Are Dressing Up Like Rocky Balboa and Running 30+ Miles This Weekend
The Rocky 50K is back (and still free!).
Photo courtesy of Rocky 50K
There are two types of people in this world (I know, I know, but hear me out on this one): those who think marathoners are absolutely bonkers and those who are totally jealous, envious, and/or in awe of marathoners. If you’re of the latter group, turn on your listening ears because we have just the run for you to test the water in long distance running: the Rocky 50K Fat Ass Run.
Why is this a good run for those who kinda-sorta want to give marathon running a whirl, you ask? At the Rocky 50K, you’ll get the experience of running a marathon (and then some! A 50K is about 31 miles—a marathon is 26.2) without having to pay for it. That’s right—the Rocky 50K is FREE, and if you give up halfway through (we would’t blame you), who cares?
As we’ve told you before, this run is full of seemingly insane (but actually super-cool) runners and walkers, dressed in Rocky Balboa’s best — you know, the grey sweatpant set and red headband — covering Philly on foot along the infamous Rocky route. Yep, all 31(ish)-miles of it, bearing Philly’s bitter December weather.
If you’re game, this year’s Rocky 50K is going down this Saturday, December 2 at 7 a.m. It’s free, you don’t even have to sign up (seriously, just dig out your sweatpants and show up). Want the rest of the deets? Here’s everything you need to know about the Rocky 50K, including frequently asked questions and details for this year’s run, per the run’s organizer Rebecca Barber. Happy running!
Photo courtesy of Rocky 50k
When?
Saturday, December 2 at 7 a.m.
Where does it start?
The corner of Wolf and South Lambert streets.
Where does it end?
The top of the Art Museum steps.
Do I need to register or sign up?
Nope! Just show up and run.
WTF is a “Fat Ass” Run?
“Fat Ass” stands for “No Fees, No Awards, No Aid, No Wimps.”
Do I have to run the entire thing?
Nope! Hop in for one mile or run all 31. The beauty of this run is that you can participate for any length you choose.
Do I get a bib? A shirt? A medal? An official time?
Again, nope! This is a free organized run, so it will not include any swag, official time, aid stations, etc.
Where do I eat? Go to the bathroom?
We ask runners to bring their own snacks and hydration. (You’re free to pause on the course and grab a snack anywhere you want, too.) But since running brings out the best in people, there will also be some amazing volunteers along the course handing out drinks and snacks. Make sure to thank them as you pass! For a bathroom, find a business along the course.
I’m driving. Where should I park?
The start neighborhood is tight for parking, so we suggest parking at the finish area around the Art Museum and taking a cab/Uber/Lyft/bus to the start.
Anything else I should know?
For the fifth year running, you can donate shoes at the Rocky 50K, which will be given to non-profit Back on My Feet. Bring just about any shoes (just no flip-flops, single shoes, ski/winter boots or slippers) and BoMF earns money for them. The top donator (determined by weight in pounds—bring your wooden clogs!) will get a 12-inch Rocky Statue replica, and the top five donators will get free bibs to the Stroehmann Bakeries Back on My Feet 5-Miler. If you want to be entered for the prizes, arrive no later than 6:30 a.m. on Saturday to drop off your shoes.
Wait, I have some more questions!
Great! Check out our website or Facebook page.
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