If it’s your first year, be on the lookout–a number of people have missed this turn in the past. There’s a small street called Somerset Ave leading to a potentially confusing loop if you’re not paying attention. As I mentioned earlier, the first year I ran the Rocky 50k I missed a turn and ended up lost for a handful of miles. What we can expect from ultra marathons is this: expect the unexpected. “It really don’t matter if I lose this fight, cause all I want to do is go the distance.” – Rocky Balboa Running along Passyunk Ave past Pat’s And Gino’s Steaks, down South Street, around City Hall to the Italian Market, through North Philadelphia, over to Kelly Drive alongside Boathouse Row, down the Ben Franklin Parkway to Independence Hall and back to the Parkway where you finish up the Art Museum steps–31.1 miles of Philadelphia culture all in one Saturday morning. Nevertheless, despite the cold weather it was great running through Philadelphia again and this race sure gives you a taste of the city. Plus, I decided to run at a moderate pace since I ran a 30-mile training run the week prior. When it’s cold I always choose extra weight and heat buildup over lightweight and freezing cold, even if it costs me some slower miles. Personally, I opted out of the Rocky Balboa costume and had 4 layers of clothes on: a compression shirt, an Under Armor thermal, a cotton thermal, and a winter jacket along with compression pants, a snow hat, a neck warmer, and gloves. “Until you start believing in yourself, ya ain’t gonna have a life.” – Rocky BalboaĪnd we were off! The streets flooded with Rocky Balboa impersonators scattering through the streets of South Philadelphia with their grey sweat outfits and red headbands. As I stood there that morning alongside many incredible people from the city of brotherly love, it was time to put the formalities aside and do what we do best–RUN. This year, the 4th year, was colder than average considering the race was in December but the sun was shining and I made every turn correctly, running strong the entire time. The second year was filled with cold rain for the entire race. The first year of the Rocky 50k, I missed a turn and ran a handful of extra miles well off course. Being a Philadelphia native makes the Rocky 50k a desirable winter race experience: an organized run close to home that keeps you motivated throughout those cold, frosty months with the new frigid temperatures and frost-covered grass. It was my 3rd year running in the Rocky 50k and this year was notably the best year by far. It was a cold December morning as we all huddled together and listened to the pre-race announcements. “If you know what you’re worth then go out and get what you’re worth.” – Rocky Balboa
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