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Monday at NECA 2023 Philadelphia began with the Rocky Returns 2023 Fun Run and Walk, hosted by NECA’s Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter.
Runners and walkers started at 7:00 a.m. and raced along the scenic Schuylkill River Trail, “where sights of the city’s famous Philadelphia Art Museum, iconic Boathouse Row, lively University City, and historic Philadelphia Water Works await them,” said Jeff Scarpello, executive director of the NECA Penn-Del-Jersey chapter. The race finished with a breakfast catered by Cescaphe at the Water Works.
Participants from the Rocky Returns Fun Run & Walk pose in front of the Rocky statue near the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
“In 2018, NECA Penn-Del-Jersey hosted the inaugural ‘Rocky Run’ and illuminated the path of hope by raising over $40,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and its vital breast cancer research,” Scarpello said. “This year, we are building upon 2018’s incredible success by hosting a ‘Rocky Returns’ 5K fun run and 1-mile walk during NECA’s 2023 Convention in Philadelphia. This event has attracted more than 200 registered runners and walkers and quickly sold out!”
Proceeds from this year’s run will support the Philadelphia Police Athletic League (PAL), a youth development organization that helps underserved children in Philadelphia through educational, athletic, recreational, character-building and cultural programs.
“Thanks to the overwhelming support of our registrants and sponsors, we shattered our fundraising target of $40,000 and raised an impressive $50,000” for PAL, he said.
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The Rocky Returns 2023 Fun Run & Walk raised $50,000 for the Police Athletic League of Philadelphia, which provides programming for underserved youth.
“With this donation, PAL will be empowered to continue enriching the lives of Philadelphia's underserved youth through a diverse range of athletic and cultural programs. In the spirit of "To be good, you have to do good,” the sold-out “Rocky Returns" Run isn't just a race; it's a beacon of hope and change in our city,” Scarpello said.
If you missed this year’s run, may we suggest taking a jog up the Philadelphia Art Museum steps while listening to a classic song from the Rocky series like “Gonna Fly Now” by Bill Conti or “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor? Don’t forget to stop by the Rocky statue!
All photos courtesy of Jeff Scarpello, Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter of NECA.
About The Author
Colleen Beaty
Senior EditorColleen Beaty is senior editor at ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine, where she has worked since 2020. She has been writing about topics such as outside line work, wildlife and habitat conservation for more than 18 years. In her role with ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR, she primarily works with the editorial team to fine-tune stories for the magazines and curate content for ECmag.com. She can also be found hosting ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR's webinars. She holds a BS in wildlife conservation from the University of Delaware.
Colleen is fueled by tea (especially chai), and can often be found cross-stitching or birding in her spare time (but not both at once).
Reach her on LinkedIn or at [email protected].
