Gritty 5K Helps Celebrate Community, Charity & Flyers Spirit

There is really only one place in the world where thousands of people don elaborate costumes, eat hot dogs, and beg to have cakes thrown directly in their faces by a furry orange agent of chaos all before 9:00 a.m.—the parking lots of Philadelphia's stadium complex on Oct. 26.

The 2024 Gritty 5K, now in its sixth year, has once again brought together fans, families, and Flyers fanatics to embody one of Philadelphia's most beloved (and delightfully eccentric) mascots—all while supporting a worthy cause.

This year's race marked a record-breaking milestone, drawing over 4,000 participants both in-person and virtually, who laced up to hit the pavement for Flyers Charities and its mission to uplift local communities.

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"It's our largest event ever," Blaire Listino, President of Flyers Charities, said. "It raises money for growing the game of hockey. We've done a lot through growing the game."

The Gritty 5K is no ordinary race. This annual event, held in the heart of South Philadelphia, is as much a celebration of the city's love for Gritty and the Flyers as it is a fun run. Runners and walkers, decked out in bright orange wigs, Gritty-themed costumes, and Flyers jerseys from all eras, created a sea of orange as they made their way through the course.

"People love getting dressed up, getting in the spirit of it," Listino said of the participants' enthusiasm. "It's not a race, it's more of a vibe. You'll start running and then automatically there's an activation station where you're getting cake thrown at you, you're eating hot dogs, you're doing graffiti. It's a lot of fun and it just shows that people in the community are out to have a good time and help a good cause."

At the finish line, the celebration only continued at the fan fest, where fans gathered to enjoy a Flyers merch truck, lawn games, and a community atmosphere that celebrated all things Flyers and Gritty.

The highlight of the merch offerings was the viral Scott Laughton X Gritty collaboration tee shirt, emblazoned with a compilation of images from Laughton and Gritty's preseason photoshoot at JCPenney. Since going on sale earlier in the season, the shirt has been a hit with fans and has quickly become a must-have memento.

Lawn games kept spritis high for attendees of all ages, from classic corn hole to Flyers-themed hockey shootouts and giant Connect 4 and Jenga. Awards for best costumes (and special honors for a participant who ran the entire race in full goalie pads) followed the conclusion of the 5K, along with Gritty enthusiastically throwing more than 10 cakes into the faces of all-too-willing "Gritizens."

While the Gritty 5K is undoubtedly fun, its mission is deeply impactful. Flyers Charities organized the event to support a range of projects in the Philadelphia community, including, according to Listino, "scholarships for players who don't have the ability to pay for their equipment, or helping out with rinks—we have a thing called Rink Revive, in which you can go let us know how your rink needs help; if you need equipment or you need new panels or lighting or whatever it is, we're there to help."

These funds are instrumental in supporting programs that make a lasting impact in South Philadelphia and beyond, enabling Flyers Charities to expand their outreach and create a positive impact where it's needed most.

As one of Flyers Charities' most well-known events, the Gritty 5K has become a meaningful way for the Flyers organization to deepen its connection with fans and reinforce its commitment to giving back. Participants know that each step taken, each bead of sweat, and every dollar raised helps build a stronger, more united community.

In six short years, the Gritty 5K has grown into a beloved tradition, bringing together people from all walks of life. The overwhelming turnout in 2024 underscores how much the Gritty 5K has become an integral part of the Flyers family and the Philadelphia community.

It's a day of laughter, pride, and city spirit, with fans of all ages coming together in shared support for the Flyers Charities-spearheaded causes that make a difference in their neighborhoods. From the first-time attendees to the diehard fans who make pilgrimages to the event (some participants drove from as far away as Virginia), the Gritty 5K has shown that Philadelphia's passion for its team, its endlessly chaotic mascot, and its community knows no bounds.

Whether you ran, walked, cheered, or simply came out to support, the 2024 Gritty 5K was a testament to the power of community and the lasting legacy of Philadelphia's favorite orange, furry, one-of-a-kind icon.

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