The Rocky Balboa Run is an annual event held in the Art Museum section of Philadelphia. The theme of the run is the iconic Rocky movie franchise. Personally I look forward to this event because, who doesn't love Rocky.

Experience:
This is a really fun event. The energy is high and the atmosphere is really friendly. Throughout the event the play majority of the soundtracks from all the Rocky movies. The music is playing in the concourse, start/finish lines, and in addition on the course. In addition you will see a lot of participants dressed up like their favorite characters from the movie franchise. This year I saw plenty of Rocky, Mickey, Apollo, Clubber Lang, Adrian, and Paulie (yes, and this was the first year I saw a Paulie).

Packet Pick-up:
The packet pick-up for this event, I am not going to lie, happens to be one the smoothest for any race that I have experienced. Participants pick-up their packets the two days prior to the race on Boathouse Row. Parking is tough, but I have been able to find a spot fairly close without any issues. When you arrive at Llyod Hall, you are greeted and asked if you are picking up for yourself or anyone else, then you are directed to the bib table, and t-shirt stations. The volunteers are so friendly and helpful. The only only down side is the expo section. Its one table that features Rocky Run t-shirts and sweatshirts. Due to the size of the space its really all you need, but if you were looking to pickup anything (shoes, socks, nutrition options, etc) as you would at other races, this is not the event.

Distances and Course:
The Rocky Balboa Run has three distance options: 5K, 10 Miles, and Half Marathon/13.1. Participants can choose to run the 5K or 10 Mile options as individual races. However, if you need more of challenge the half marathon option allows you to run both the 5K and 10 miler, for the coveted Italian Stallion Challenge. Note, if you are going to do the half marathon, participants must maintain 13 min per mile pace in the 5K in order to be back in time for the 10 Mile start. Both the 5K and 10 Mile courses Start at the Philadelphia Art Museum, down MLK Drive along the Schuykill River. The scenairy is beautiful with the trees, walking path, and Boat House Row. The course if relatively flat, except for the hill on in the beginning of mile 4 on the 10 mile course, and the slight hill at the finish line for both distances.
Oh, did I mention there is a medal for each distance. And if you run the half marathon you get 3 medals. And all the medals are awesome.

Due to the course being fairly flat, I find this to be a good race for people starting out racing, getting back into running, or just a fun way to start to close out their year. People come from all over. I met a man this year who came up from Baltimore to participate in his first 5K. He said he wanted to do this race because of Rocky and it inspired him to just do his best. Seeing all the people dressed up like different characters also helps.