Rolling Through the Philly 10K: A Skateboarder’s Perspective on the City’s Streets and Its Runners
I made my way to Philadelphia to cover the Philadelphia 10K, a race that turns the city streets into a vibrant playground of endurance, energy, and community. My approach this time was a little different—I wasn’t just standing on the sidelines with a camera; I was rolling alongside the runners on my skateboard. Thanks to special permission from both the police and the race organizers, I could move freely through the course, capturing real-time smiles, reactions, and the pure effort behind every stride. There’s something about gliding alongside athletes that lets you see the race in a completely different way—the way muscles tense, the way strides sync, and the fleeting moments of joy that might otherwise go unnoticed.
On the ground, I joined forces with Los, JR, Tony, and the rest of the No Sleeping Run Club crew. Their energy is contagious, and filming alongside them meant I got to capture the camaraderie and competitive spirit in motion. We also linked up with the Diadora squad, including Alex Feldman, Diadora’s National Tennis Manager / Key Accounts Manager in the U.S., who’s been making an impact in Philly’s running and tennis scene through creative projects and national partnerships.
Before the race, we got a behind-the-scenes tour of Diadora’s U.S. headquarters, which is housed in a beautifully old-school building with a ton of character. The space felt like stepping into a living history of sport—complete with displays of historical memorabilia, including shoes worn by legendary athletes like Edwin Moses and Seb Coe. Seeing these pieces of running history up close added a deeper connection to the brand and its roots, linking the culture inside the HQ to the energy we would later see on the streets.
Part of the day was dedicated to interviews. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ross Martinson, owner of Philadelphia Runner, who shared insights about what makes this race and the local running community so unique. I also spoke with Elizabeth Pagonis, whose passion for running and involvement in Philly’s athletic community added a personal, human perspective to the story of the race. These conversations brought depth to the day, reminding me that races aren’t just about finish times—they’re about the people, the stories, and the culture behind every mile.
From start to finish, the Philly 10K is a course filled with history and energy. Starting near the Museum District, runners move through tree-lined streets and past iconic city landmarks, finishing along Penn’s Landing with the Delaware River as a backdrop. Filming this race from my skateboard gave me the freedom to catch spontaneous moments: high-fives from spectators, the focus etched on runners’ faces, and the surge of adrenaline as the finish line approached.
Covering an event like this isn’t just about footage—it’s about immersing yourself in the moment, telling the story of the race from multiple angles, and highlighting the community that makes it special. Between the No Sleeping Run Club, the Diadora team, and the runners I met along the way, the Philly 10K was more than a race—it was an experience, and I’m thrilled to have captured it from a perspective few others get to see.
