The Penn Relays
Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Founded 1895 on this site. Officially named The Penn Relay Carnival and hosted annually by the University of Pennsylvania. It gained recognition as the world's first and largest track and field relay meet and the nation's longest uninterrupted collegiate meet. The Relays have drawn top high school and college athletes from the U.S. and elsewhere and have been the scene of numerous American and world records.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Every spring since 1895, the University of Pennsylvania's Franklin Field has hosted the Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field relay carnival in the country. What began in the Gilded Age as a novel collegiate competition grew into a rite of passage for generations of schoolboys, college stars, and Olympians, whose races here set American and world records. The meet's unbroken run through wars and depressions made it a fixed point on the American sporting calendar.
Why it matters
The Penn Relays helped invent the modern relay race and remain a living link between amateur athletics and the American college tradition.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Bridgette Mayer2.0 mi away · 709 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- African American Museum in Philadelphia2.1 mi away · 701 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Congress Hall2.1 mi away · Philadelphia, PA
- Liberty Bell Center2.1 mi away · 526 Market Street, Philadelphia
- Independence Hall2.2 mi away · 520 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Independence Visitor Center2.2 mi away · 599 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
Attractions
- Rocky Steps1.1 mi away
- The Universal Sphere1.1 mi away
- One Liberty Observation Deck1.2 mi away
- American Bandstand1.3 mi away
- Philadelphia Zoo1.4 mi away
- Reading Terminal1.7 mi away
Food & drink
- Munchie’s Cafe2.0 mi away · 728 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Philly Pretzel Factory2.0 mi away
- Burger King2.0 mi away
- Fat Salmon2.0 mi away · 719 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Daily2.0 mi away · 208 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Talula's Garden2.0 mi away · 210 West Washington Square, Philadelphia, PA
Places to stay
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Philadelphia Center City1.4 mi away · 237 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Cambria Hotel Philadelphia Downtown - Center City1.4 mi away · 219 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Holiday Inn Express1.5 mi away · 1305-11 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Residence Inn Philadelphia Center City1.5 mi away · 1 East Penn Square, Philadelphia, PA
- Fairfield Inn & Suites1.5 mi away · 261 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Notary Hotel1.5 mi away · 21 North Juniper Street, Philadelphia
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Themes & tags
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