Runners fight for the title in 'Rocky' race

Many fans of the movie Rocky who have always wanted to run victoriously up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art just like the "Italian Stallion" himself got their chance last Saturday afternoon at the first annual Rocky Run. Both young and old, novice and experienced, gathered outside Lloyd Hall on Kelly Drive for a five-kilometer race, sponsored by the Wharton Roadrunners Club, that ended at the top of the museum steps. The event was organized to raise money for Wharton's Christmas in April program, the school's main fundraising initiative, which refurbishes run-down houses for poor and elderly residents of West and North Philadelphia neighborhoods. The 3.1-mile race culminated in a grueling finish at the top of the Art Museum steps. And in true Rocky fashion, Dan Holland of Center City raised his arms in triumph as he was the first to reach the finish line. After officials decorated Holland with a black and white satin robe that declared him "1999 Rocky Run Champ," he jokingly topped off his 16:05 performance with a loud cry of "Adrian!" Holland was actually one of two champions, as there was an award for the first place woman as well. Catherine Pett of Jenkintown, Pa., a high school sophomore, came in with a time of 18:24. Like many other participants, Pett's high school distance running team came out Saturday to get a "good workout." Holland, who is training for an upcoming marathon, also used the race as a workout. The race, which was advertised in the local City Paper, on local radio stations and with flyers posted in area gyms, was called "a huge success" by organizer Jon Weinberg, a Wharton senior. He and other organizers were shocked by the large turnout. Besides the 140 racers who pre-registered, an additional 100 runners showed up on Saturday -- causing the start to be delayed by 15 minutes. Participants included a number of Penn students, high school students, competitive runners and various other running aficionados. Most racers were from Pennsylvania or surrounding areas. Diane McManus of Upper Darby, Pa., who runs for two clubs, said the Rocky Run "was the only race that would fit into my schedule," explaining that the 3 p.m. start time "gives people a little more flexibility." And Stu Madres of Northeast Philadelphia said he has been running for 20 years but had "never run up the steps before in an actual race." And while the event was "very disorganized," he said he would return for next year's race. At a charge of $10 for pre-registered runners and $15 for race-day sign-ups, the Rocky Run raised $5,000 in its debut.