By now, I think it’s fair to say that most Philadelphians know about #thePhilly10k, a neighborhood road race that made its debut in August 2014. This year, the dynamic event will gather about 4,500 runners to explore the streets of Philadelphia from East Passyunk, through the Italian Market, to Washington Square West, ending with a celebration at 5th and Bainbridge. We’re stoked to play an integral role again this year by throwing a post-race bash, as it represents a perfect fusion of MSC Retail’s professional and personal interests.
If you’ve been living under a rock, the 10k is a brainchild of our pals at Philadelphia Runner (who we’re also proud to call a client). In this digital, e-commerce age, we like to spin the spotlight to companies like Philadelphia Runner, whose brick-and-mortar stores provide personal, customer-service driven experiences. Plus, we love working with a company that does more than just sell gear, but hosts events like group runs during the week to better the community. While running with the store’s owners, they filled me in on their plans to launch a race that conveyed new-age Philly; not just the Art Museum and Kelly Drive, as iconic as they may be, but the neighborhoods and streets that are abuzz with growth and development. Our progress developing retail corridors and neighborhoods here at MSC Retail can attest to the evolution of Philadelphia into a foodie-loving, modern, active, seriously fun city.
After hardcore brainstorming and planning, the Philly 10k was born, becoming the next big thing in record-breaking speed: Be Well Philly reports that within 70 minutes of online registration opening up for the 2014 debut, 3,000 bibs (the max) sold out. Ask any of the race participants, and they’ll tell you that the event “sold itself” with stellar, contemporary branding and a very enticing course.
The MSC Retail family is made up of runners (and non-running workout enthusiasts) who are completely obsessed with all things Philly. This year, after a great inaugural experience, we wanted to take our participation to the next level and prolong the community-vibe experience post finish line. With that, we present the MSC Retail Post-Race Village, featuring several MSC Retail clients to treat runners after they crush the run. Saxbys, Agno, honeygrow, Philly Power Yoga & Thrive Pilates, P.S. & Co., Wahoo’s Fish Tacos, and South Street Bagels will join Philadelphia Brewing Company to set up shop on Bainbridge for runners to visit after crossing the finish line.
Running? Not running but curious about the best race of the year? Join us in the Post-Race Village on August 30 and see what the hype is all about.