130th Penn Relays kick off at Franklin Field in University City
· Yahoo Sports
The 130th Penn Relays kicked off on Thursday in University City, bringing athletes of all ages and backgrounds to Franklin Field for one of track and field's longest-running traditions.
"The environment is hype, the stadium pulse is good. It makes you want to run fast, makes you want to have fun with your friends," said Mia Mobley of Royersford.
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The historic meet dates back to 1895 and continues to draw spectators who return year after year for the atmosphere as much as the competition.
"The weather is fantastic, there's so much energy in the stadium. It's just one of my favorite events to come to," said Vanessa Coke Cohen of Lower Merion.
Events throughout the day included long jump, pole vaulting, and a full slate of relay races.
For many athletes, staying locked in is part of the challenge.
"Everything happens for a reason, honestly, and if we do good, we do good. If we don't, we don't," said London Lovelace of West Oak Lane.
Organizers estimate roughly 20,000 athletes are competing, representing a wide range of ages and experience levels. That includes Master's runners who are 40 and older.
"It's lovely to see people as they get older, running and staying in shape and keeping healthy in all these races," said Jennifer Meko of Mass Velocity Runners.
Among the Masters athletes was Team Fly Yellow, a group of longtime friends, all 65 and older.
"Even when you grow up, you can still participate. And that's what we enjoy, you can still participate," said Marcus Guynn.
The crowd erupted as Special Olympics athletes took their turn on the track, drawing some of the loudest cheers of the day.
"I don't think that there's any meet that comes close to this and the excitement it brings to the track world," said coach Akayla Leak.
The Penn Relays continue through the weekend, carrying forward more than a century of Philadelphia sports tradition.