My beautiful mom passed away 12 days ago. It doesn’t feel real.
Tomorrow I embark on marathon #10 for the year. All of my miles moving forward, all good and inspiring and kind and creative and simple and so on and so on and so on things that I do in life are dedicated to and done holding her.
My heart hurts, my head’s spinning, my stomach aches, and my hips are sore. I will run with my mom in my heart and her spirit beside me stride for stride.
When the Philly 10k asked me to design a medal this year, their first medal after 12 years, I pulled out my sketchbook and markers.
As a South Philly resident myself I do appreciate all of the special little nuggets that this pocket of the city holds. Classic signs, food, sights & sounds and those kickass Tofani Doors.
I didn’t know the name of the doors so I googled “iconic South Philly doors” and learned a bit about them. They were designed and manufactured here in South Philly in the 1960s. My friend Barb also shared with me that a fire took the millwork out in the 30’s and it was rebuilt and managed by Arthur Tofani’s wife, Liberata. Women-owned. 💪
When I begin conceptualizing race medals I always consider the idea of giving participants an opportunity to grow a collection. A token that will ultimately exist within a series for years. Cool thing about Tofani doors is…there’s a bunch of them.
The Philly 10k rules. It’s a South Philly party. If you’re on the fence about signing up, do it. A day of good vibes, cold beer, my buddy @foshoandtell will be DJing post race & we’ll all just have fun.
We did it!
The Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon & 5K was officially voted the Best Half Marathon in Pennsylvania for 2026 by Race Raves!
To everyone who voted, ran with us, cheered on Kelly Drive, volunteered, high-fived strangers, rang cowbells, and made race so special year after year: thank you. This one belongs to all of you.
Now let’s make race day 2026 even bigger! Registration is open. See you at the start line 💥
We’re thrilled to reveal this year’s half marathon & 5K medals!
Keeping tradition with our iconic keystone shape, we’ve embraced the spirit of adventure and exploration with an interactive spinning compass! The Philadelphia Distance Run Half Marathon & 5K is a wonderful destination race so what better way to capture that story! They sparkle and shine just like each one of our participants on race day!
If you’re running @ibxrun10 Broad Street Run this weekend please swing by our booth at bib pickup right next to @studentsrunphl to check these out in person & meet our mighty team of Student Ambassadors!
If you haven’t already, sign up for the PDR today to secure one of these medals in September! ⭐️
Downhill Pils is ready for race day, are you?! We’ll see you at the finish line this Sunday 8:30-11:30am at Vendor Village on the Parade Grounds at the Navy Yard for an after party celebrating this major accomplishment.
If you’re around tonight, join Sean for a 3 mile fun run at 7pm! You’ll even get to try Downhill Pils before everyone else! 👀
Cheers to the 2026 IBX Broad Street Run!! 🥳🏃🍻
@ibxrun10@outandbackcreative@ritamcarroll
#phillyrunner #ibxbroadstreetrun #broadstreetrun
The cans have arrived and they are SOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! We’re just over here swooning as we prepare for canning day on Thursday. Rita Carroll, you are a star!
Can’t wait to see you all Sunday at the finish line of the Broad Street Run with the official beer of the 2026 Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run! 🏃♀️🤸♀️🍻🎉
@ibxrun10@ritamcarroll@outandbackcreative
Meet Rita, the artist behind the label for our Broad Street Run Downhill Pils beer! We cannot wait for you all to see the art and to try the beer! Learn more about her work at @outandbackcreative . We’ll see you at the finish line!
#phillybeer #ibxbroadstreetrun
Friends, we have BIG NEWS! For the first time ever, we’re teaming up with the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run for an After Party at the finish line down at the Navy Yard! 🏃🏽♀️💨 We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
Runners and supporters alike are invited to celebrate on the Parade Grounds with beverages. In honor of this years run, we’re releasing a custom collaboration beer — the Downhill Pils — on race day. The beer features beautiful artwork by South Philly artist and runner Rita Carrol @ritamcarroll of Out & Back Creative @outandbackcreative We’re so pleased with how the label turned out and we’re so excited to get it on our cans!
For those who don’t know us, Triple Bottom Brewing is a small brewery and certified B Corp located at 915 Spring Garden Street. Link in bio to plan your visit to the taproom and to learn more about our great beers and social mission.
Follow along @triplebottombrewing for more info and updates. We’ll see you at the after party!
More info coming soon, but for now, here are some key details!
⏰ Hours: 8:30 am – 11:30 am
📍Location: Vendor Village on the Parade Grounds at the Navy Yard
💚 Open to everyone! Please plan to bring ID and cash or card if you plan to imbibe!
We’ll see you at the finish line!
#IBXBSR26 #BroadStreetRun #PhillyRunner
Our flat, fast, and scenic course has been bringing runners together since 1978 - and this year will be no different. Sign up for the PDR half marathon or 5k before midnight on March 31st (today!) to beat the price increase ⏰
Last call 🗳️
Voting for Best Half Marathon in PA ends TOMORROW (March 29th), let’s finish strong! If you love the Philadelphia Distance Run, now’s the time to show it.
While you’re at it, don’t forget: prices for the 5k and half marathon go up after March 31st!
Vote + register through the link in our bio.
The @philadelphiadistancerun is in the *running* for Pennsylvania’s Best Half Marathon. This race is near and dear to my heart. I work year round with a mighty team to ensure that our participants feel safe, celebrated & a part of something really special on race weekend.
I’m so proud of this event & so proud to be a Philadelphian!
The last day to vote is 3/29 (link in bio)
Thank you & please spread the word!
Xo
Rita
Soulful & vibrant race day photography 📸 @stanleyphoto
