Inside the Penn Relays: Track and Field’s Most Photogenic Meet

The Penn Relays is the largest—and oldest—track and field meet in the United States, dating back to 1895. Held at the University of Pennsylvania’s historic Franklin Field, thousands of fans and athletes flock to Philadelphia from around the world each year to take in the non-stop action of the three-day event.

Living in Philadelphia, it’s next to impossible not to be familiar with the Penn Relays in one way or another. Track teams doing shakeouts along the Schuylkill River, sounds of cheering, or a single shot from a starter pistol, are all the norm in late April around Penn’s campus.

The Penn Relays are something I had always experienced from a distance. But after attending the 2024 edition as a Runner’s World G.C. Foster and the University of Houston runners battle in a heat of the mens 4x100-meter relay.

Athletes catch their breath after the high school girls' 4x400-meter Championship of America.

Runners line up in starting blocks for a sprint heat. This year, the 128th edition, featured 816 events.

A Mass Velocity Track Club runner (left) and a Newburgh Elite Track Club runner wait for the baton in the 60+ masters men’s 4x100-meter relay.

G.C. Foster and the University of Houston runners battle in a heat of the men’s 4x100-meter relay.

UConns Kasey Savage finished fifth in the college mens long jump.

The Penn State women's team took third in the 4x200-meter relay.

A runner from Ewing High School helps her relay team to a second-place finish in the high school girls' 4x400-meter relay.

USAs Kyle Rollins took first place in the Olympic Development mens high jump.

Joe Barrett of Christian Brothers Academy competes in the high school boys' Distance Medley Championship of America. Christian Brothers Academy won the event in 10:01.47.

UConn’s Kasey Savage finished fifth in the college men’s long jump.

USA’s Kyle Rollins took first place in the Olympic Development men’s high jump.

Duke athletes look at the scoreboard for results after the College Women's 4x800-meter relay Championship of America. Duke took second behind Washington.