11/19/12

The Philadelphia Marathon

 
Yesterday Mr. RL the kids and myself made a day trip down to the city of brotherly love to watch my dear friend Donna and my hubster's sister and niece run this fabulous race! Here we are overlooking the race at about mile eleven.



This is really a great race...you know anytime I have ever run Philadelphia I get all welled up and cry. I suppose it may have something to do with putting forth a challenge and achieving the ultimate goal of completing the race. But it also may have a little something to do with this guy below...


Yes this is the statue of Rocky Balboa which was commissioned by Sylvester Stallone in 1982 to be used in the movie Rocky III. After the movie was filmed, the statue was moved to and stood outside of the sports arena in Philadelphia known as the Wachovia Spectrum, previously the home to both Philadelphia's ice hockey team the Flyers, and to their basketball team the 76'ers. In 2006 the statue was returned to the Art Museum and now Mr. Balboa is on a pedestal adjacent to the museum's infamous steps...a much more fitting spot for him. Rocky is a tremendous symbol of inspiration for Philadelphians, and since I grew up just outside the city limits, he has been an inspiration for me as well.
 
 Anyhow back to the race...the course changed a wee bit since I ran it in 2009 as now it has a few more hills to challenge runners. But as with every marathon, you will always see a wonderful sense of humor emerge from among many of its participants.
 
From the patriotic...
 
 
To the daring...
 
 
To the just plain funny!
 
 
There were even a few guys running in suits and tuxes!
 
And music...there is always plenty of music at a big marathon! This little om pa band was at about mile 26 blasting out an amazing rendition of Lady Gaga's "Pokerface".
 
 
Here are the runners heading for the finish line with the city skyline in the background.
 
 
After the race was over, many runners stood in line to have their picture taken with the saute of Rocky.
 
 
Yours truly took a spot in line so I could photograph my favorite runners with the famous statue.
 
 
Here's my dear friend Donna in front of Rocky! Donna ran her best time yesterday...she finished in just under 5 hours with a chip time of 4 hours, 59 minutes and 22 seconds! I think she was sharing some Philadelphia pride here with ol' Rocky!
 
 
So since we were right there at the art museum I decided to take a few pics of this beautiful building.
 

 
Here are those famous steps from the Rocky movies!
 

 
The art museum as seen from the across the Schuylkill river. It is such a majestic looking building isn't it?




I just had to snap a picture of these seagulls sitting on a piece of driftwood.
 
 
And finally a view of boathouse row.
 
 
We had a wonderful time in the city yesterday. Donna wants me back running with her, so I think will be throwing my hat in the ring for a half marathon in the spring. But first I need a pair of new running shoes!
 
Have a wonderful day all!
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3 comments:

  1. Barbara, what a fun way to spend the day! That Rocky statue is truly iconic! I am sure your friends felt such a sense of accomplishment, when the race was over! Loved seeing these photos. Thanks for sharing!

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  2. What a wonderful race and how great to support your friends and in-laws. I have never seen a full marathon in person-it must be quite a sight. Love the Rocky Balboa statue. Blessings to you- xo Diana

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  3. Hi Barbara,

    I love the Rocky statue! I'm not a runner but my husband tried it. He was in one of the races in NYC.
    I loved seeing all your great pictures.

    Dee

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