One hundred thirty years, 314 events, and 891 portions of fried Oreos.
These are just a few of the numbers that define this year’s edition of The Penn Relay Carnival — the world’s most recognized track and field meet. This week, tens of thousands of spectators will flock to Penn’s campus as West Philadelphia turns into a global stage. Here’s a preview of the 130th running of the Penn Relays, by the numbers.
History
One hundred thirty years. This year’s running of the Penn Relays is the 130th anniversary of the meet. The Penn Relays were first held on April 20, 1895, at Franklin Field as the first-ever college relay carnival, setting a tradition that would continue for more than a century. To put this number in perspective, the Penn Relays has endured two world wars and multiple global financial crises — from the Great Depression to the Great Recession — spanning nearly two dozen presidential terms from Grover Cleveland to current President and 1968 Wharton graduate Donald Trump.
Fifty-seven titles. Penn holds the second-most men’s Championship of America titles in the history of the Penn Relays with 57 championships won between 1896 and 2016.
Events
Three hundred fourteen events. At this year’s meet, the total number of events across the three days of competition is 314. Events focus on a mix of individual and relay races, from running to field events. The athletes competing span from elementary school students to runners older than 70.
Seventy-four Penn athletes. The Quakers have 74 athletes who are expected to compete at the Penn Relays.
Between 15,000 and 17,000 athletes. Expect 15,000 to 17,000 athletes to toe the line, with an estimated crowd of 100,000 spectators across the three days. West Philadelphia will be bustling with athletes and endless crowds come April 23.
One hundred ninety college teams. All three NCAA divisions, NAIA programs, and junior colleges are among the college teams represented at the Penn Relays. The event includes major conferences like the Big Ten, Atlantic Coast, and the Ivy League, among other collegiate conferences.
Over a thousand high school teams. In addition to collegiate teams, more than a thousand high school programs from all over the country are expected to compete.
Thirty states, Puerto Rico, and nine countries are represented at the Penn Relays.
Venue
Fifty-two thousand, five hundred and ninety-three seats. Franklin Field is the oldest college football stadium in the country, and the stage for the Penn Relays. The stadium seats more than 50,000 spectators, and holds a rich history; Franklin Field used to be the Philadelphia Eagles’ field and the host of the 1960 NFL championship game.
Between 700 and 900 volunteers. From medical staff and officials to volunteers from as far as Jamaica and the Bahamas, these are the people who keep the Penn Relays running.
Food
Thirteen options. A baker’s dozen of food vendors from Penn’s concession provider, Aramark, will feed an estimated 100,000 spectators over the course of three days. That team has ordered the following: 3,585 portions of tenders and fries; 1,241 funnel cakes; 891 portions of fried Oreos; 1,373 hot dogs; 3,720 bottles of water; 1,455 Powerades.
