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The Penn Relays is the world’s first, longest-running and most widely recognized annual relay meet.
Each year, this historic rite of spring — which typically takes place at the end of April — draws crowds of up to 100,000 to the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field. Here, spectators see some of the world’s most electrifying track and field athletes compete — and often begin Olympic careers.
Over the course of the three-day festival, top high school, collegiate, Olympic development and masters athletes take to the field for events like the 4×400-meter relay, javelin, pole vault, 100-meter dash, mile runs, sprints and more in hopes of bringing home the elusive Penn Relays Wheel, a 32-inch massive circular plaque featuring a bronze cast of the University of Pennsylvania founder himself, Ben Franklin.
Both athletes and fans hail from all over the country and the world, and the bustling Carnival Village, located right outside Franklin Field, offers plenty of food, entertainment and merchandise.
La Penn Relays is a can’t-miss, massive three-day celebration.
The races provide palpable excitement, non-stop action and an incredible sense of community for both track and field aficionados and casual visitors alike. Crowds gather for the thrill of watching upwards of 15,000 athletes — all at the top of their game — battle it out on one of the world’s biggest relay stages.
Located just outside the stadium gates, Carnival Village bursts to life each year with vibrant tents, DJs, souvenirs, fun activities, merch stalls, food and drink vendors, and the sound of languages from around the world.
Single-day tickets to the Penn Relays can be purchased online. Note that this is a rain-or-shine event.
The easiest way to get to the event is to take SEPTA’s Market-Frankford line to 34th Street Station and walk the few blocks to the Relays track at 33rd and Spruce streets.
From the suburbs, SEPTA Regional Rail is one of the most convenient travel methods. Riders can head to William H. Gray III 30th Street Station for a short walk to Franklin Field.
Limited paid parking is available at Penn’s campus on a first-come, first-served basis. Click here for more info on parking and transportation.
Both athletes and fans at the Penn Relays hail from around the world. — Photo courtesy Penn Relays
The Penn Relays’ status as America’s largest amateur track meet goes back to the very first running meet, held in 1895 to stoke flagging student interest in track and field.
That event drew 5,000 spectators, the largest audience for a track meet in Philadelphia up to that time.
The Penn Relays is also one of the few major events that accepted Black competitors since its inception, with 1904 Penn athlete John Baxter Taylor going on to become the first African American ever to win an Olympic gold medal.
The Penn Relays, America's largest track meet, welcomes high school, collegiate and even Olympic athletes. — Photo by E. Sucar for the University of Pennsylvania
For more information about the Penn Relays, including an event schedule and ticketing options, click the button below.
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