MUST SEE: ‘Gritizens’ Rock Best Gritty Costumes At First-Ever Gritty 5k In South Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Gritty has stolen the hearts of Philadelphia sports fans over the last year and now he is using his popularity to raise money for charity. The first ever Gritty 5K was held in South Philadelphia Sunday morning.

Approximately 3,000 “Gritizens” showed up to the Wells Fargo Center dressed as the beloved mascot.

#gritty5k pic.twitter.com/aul48hb4zz

— Charlie Hagan (@1chagan1) October 13, 2019

Gritty led participants in a pre-race stretch.

Gritties on their way to the #Gritty5K! pic.twitter.com/TyC31uN7T2

— Justin Gero (@JustinGero) October 13, 2019

And what would a Gritty 5k be without a Claude Giroux shrine? Gritty was caught bowing at his “king.”

Paid respecks to @28CGiroux though, my king. pic.twitter.com/SyylmvkkdS

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) October 13, 2019

The race started at the Wells Fargo Center, traveled through the Navy Yard and finished back at Gritty’s home.

Ready, set, GRITTY… That’s the mood here this morning at the Wells Fargo Center. #Gritty5k @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/RcSyiXAo3p

— Char Reese (@creese28) October 13, 2019

Gritty even got into a dance off with one of the Gritty impersonators.

@GrittyNHL what you doing? @NHLFlyers #gritty5K pic.twitter.com/NUdlVVFTeO

— Amber Rose (@amberrose703) October 13, 2019

The funds raised from the Gritty 5k will benefit the Flyers Charities to help support a multitude of worthy non-profits across the Philadelphia area.

Gritty is thrilled to be your beloved mascot Philadelphia.

Gritizens, I’m honored how obsessed with me you are. Stay weird.

✌️Love you✌️ pic.twitter.com/XKhfVeSyvS

— Gritty (@GrittyNHL) October 13, 2019