Rocky 50K: Run in Rocky’s footsteps

Yo, Adrian! Calling all youse Rocky Balboa fans. Time to lace up those sneakers and don those grey sweatpants and red headbands and hit the same Philly streets that Balboa did in Rocky II.

Inspired by an article in Philadelphia Magazine, which outlined the 31-mile training route that Rocky took in the movie's "Gonna Fly Now" montage, Rebecca Schaefer, a Philadelphia resident, contacted the author Dan McQuade and asked his blessing to organize a Rocky 50K Fat Ass Run for the first-time ever last year. It was such a big hit, that Schaefer is running it again this year.

The key to this run is that it is an unofficial course with no road closures or runner assistance. It is meant to be an informal gathering of Rocky fans who are also avid runners. "Fat Ass" is the name given to low key runs like this where there are no fees or awards or any aid for that matter. Keep in mind that runners must follow all traffic laws, staying on sidewalks and stopping at red lights.

For her inaugural run, Schaefer was expecting a small turnout and so was really surprised last year when more than 100 people came out.

"It was so cool to see how powerfully Philadelphia feels about running and the Rocky movies," Schaefer said. "Also people from all over the country came to the event which showed how much the movies are loved even outside our city."

She also encountered some unexpected backlash as well when she received a cease-and-desist order from MGM (the film company who owns the rights to the Rocky movies) to "remove the Rocky name and any references, images or promotions related to Rocky from any…materials you may be disseminating in connection with the Unauthorized Rocky Event."

Schaefer has made the changes to the logo, but so far has kept the original name of her run. MGM has its own officially licensed Rocky Balboa Run in Philly now organized by Cerulean Sports Group.

This year's Rocky 50K Fat Ass Run will take place on Saturday, December 6 at 7 a.m. The course starts at the corner of Wolf St. and S. Lambert Streets in South Philadelphia and will finish on the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum. Runners will weave throughout the city, so if you can't complete the full 31 miles, there are plenty of convenient places to drop out. You must provide your own transportation though.

Schaefer explained that one of the things she really loved about this run was that you get a real taste of Philly and its history and culture. "You start near Rocky's fictitious house in South Philly and then pass through Passyunk, Northern Liberties and the Italian Market," she said. "You'll even pass by Laurel Hill Cemetery where the fake headstone of Rocky's wife Adrian is still located."

For full course information including turn by turn directions, visit the Rocky 50K website.

Like last year, runners are encouraged to bring extra sneakers to donate to Back on My Feet Philadelphia, a national organization started here in Philadelphia that uses running to help those experiencing homelessness change the way they see themselves so that they can make positive changes in their lives. The person who collects the most sneakers (even dress shoes are gratefully accepted) will receive a 12-inch resin replica of the Rocky Statue that is located by the Philadelphia Art Museum.

What could be more Philly than Rocky, running and giving back to the community? Remember that there is no registration fee so you just need to show up on December 6 ready to run Rocky style.