Philadelphians channel their inner Italian stallion in the Rocky and Adrian look-alike race

Couples who look weird on skates — and on dates — got a chance to celebrate their cute awkwardness in a Rocky and Adrian-like competition at Philadelphia’s RockyFest on Friday.

The evening event at the University of Pennsylvania’s 1923 ice rink was meant to echo the couple’s first meeting in “Rocky.” In the classic 1976 film, the eponymous boxer never puts on ice skates on stage, but shuffles along with his best friend Paulie’s sister as she struggles to stay on her feet.

The contest’s winning prize was a dinner at South Philadelphia’s iconic Victor Café, where the servers also sing opera, along with a hotel stay and a $250 certificate to a Rocky-themed gift shop.

New York firefighter Jason Carrion and his wife, Roxanne Carrion, took first place.

“I wanted to do something because we’re the biggest ‘Rocky’ fans, I think, ever. I mean, just look at us,” said Jason Carrion, wearing a leather jacket and hat identical to Rocky’s streetwear in the film.

Roxanne Carrion called the event her dream date. “I’m going to go ice skating, I’m going to get dressed up on the Rocky stairs, and now we’re going to see a Rocky movie at the movies. So this was the perfect date for us,” she said.

She said the film has such widespread appeal because of its “damaged” subject matter: “It’s an inspiring story that transcends any age or person, right?”

Philadelphia served as a backdrop for the popular “Rocky” franchise, something the city is celebrating nearly 50 years later with a five-day festival that grew out of the inaugural Rocky Day in 2023.

This week’s events have included a mural unveiling, movie marathons, talks on the enduring appeal of Sylvester Stallone’s character, and a bus tour of favorite scenes.

Meanwhile, a second cast of the Rocky statue was unveiled at the top of the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art — the original was featured in “Rocky III” — and will remain there until December. 31.

“This statue represents everything that the Rocky movies stand for: endurance, heart and the unbreakable bond between Rocky and the people of Philadelphia,” Stallone said in a statement.