Five hundred and seventy people dressed in gray sweatsuits and black beanies gathered on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art to set a Guinness World Record on Friday.
Participants ran up the 72 steps in front of them in a moment of triumph. The event smashed the previous record of 250 participants, according to Guinness World Records.
The gathering served as a centerpiece for “Rocky Season,” a citywide celebration marking 50 years since the original film. Fans traveled from near and far to participate in the milestone event.
The Rocky’s are in place to break the Guinness Record of the most Rocky’s in one place. But where is Sylvester Stallone? pic.twitter.com/wg2rXKDaVp
Amanda Larsen came all the way from Missouri for the attempt, while Jim Cesario, aged 61, made the journey from Warren, Rhode Island. Others arrived from even farther distances, with participants reported traveling from Madrid, Spain, and Brazil to take part in the record-breaking day.
“You can’t do the Rocky thing anywhere but Philly,” Larsen said. “You have to do it here.”
Guinness World Records adjudicator Andy Glass oversaw the verification process. As the crowd swelled throughout the afternoon, organizers engaged participants with a running gag on the microphone. “What’s your name?” the announcer asked one participant. “Rocky Balboa,” they replied.
“Sure, it’s about the films and the character that inspires so many people,” Glass said. “He said seeing the people who have adopted the fictional character is what makes the day special.”
Peter Cirina stated he wanted to be included in the record book out of his love for the film. Tyler Batt attended alongside his mother, a superfan who secured tickets for them both. Kevin Yacovetti noted the enduring nature of the series. Joe Ricchezza, a 59-year-old South Philly native, said he remembers being a 9-year-old shadow boxing in the parking lot of the movie theater after watching the 1976 film.
Written by Sylvester Stallone, the 1976 film followed a small-time boxer from South Philadelphia who secured a shot at heavyweight champion Apollo Creed during America’s bicentennial. Though the fictional underdog ultimately lost the bout, he won the heart of Adrian, the neighborhood pet store clerk.
The movie was shot for less than $1 million by Stallone, an unknown actor at the time who wrote the script in a desperate bid to land himself work. The film won the best picture Oscar and its numerous spin-offs and sequels have helped it hold the record for most successful sports movie franchise, according to Guinness World Records.
Ricchezza said the film continues to resonate with people because of the spirit of the story of resilience, grit and persevering despite the odds.
A free “Tiny Steps Rocky Concert” with the Philly Pops was planned before the Guinness World Record attempt but was canceled because of inclement weather.