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Uwishunu Event last updated on March 27, 2024

A Guide to The Penn Relays in Philadelphia

April 25-27, 2024

The world’s oldest relay meet, held annually at the University of Pennsylvania...

Photo by E. Sucar for the University of Pennsylvania
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Overview

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.

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