Dash to the Penn Relays
By MICHELLE PROVENCHER
Updated 5:54 AM EST, Thu, Apr 23, 2009
The 115th Annual Penn Relays kick off Thursday and run through Saturday. The three-day track and field meet will feature over 425 races. It draws more athletes than the Olympics.
Here is a little bit of history: The Penn Relays started in April 1895. Today the event is the longest uninterrupted collegiate track meet in the country.
The University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field in University City will be busy -- races are spread over three days of competition.
Thursday’s events include high school girls, college women and nighttime distance races from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
On Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. high school boys and girls along with college men and women take to the track. Olympic development events will also take place.
The events wrap up Saturday when collegiate men and women, high school boys and U.S.A. vs. the World races take place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The races go on rain or shine, but sunny skies and warm temperatures are expected.
Tickets to the relays are a great deal.
General admission tickets cost only $16 and will get you into the field and the Carnival Village.
Fans can expect plenty of food and refreshments at the village. Also, Penn Relays merchandise and apparel will be on sale with promotional displays and giveaways.
If you plan on bringing your own snacks, Penn Relays “Fan Guide” reports glass bottles, cans, large bags, coolers and containers are not permitted.
There are participants from over 60 different countries and if you've never seen the high school girls from Jamaica run, it's a bucket list event!
First Published: Apr 22, 2009 11:16 AM EST
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