Penn’s Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics announced that the 2020 Penn Relays, scheduled for April 23-25, has been canceled due to the evolving coronavirus public health threat. The Penn Relays, which has been contested uninterrupted since 1895, celebrated its 125th consecutive running last year. 

“Based on the current novel coronavirus pandemic, we cannot host an event in late April without putting our participants, spectators, officials, volunteers and staff at risk,” said M. Grace Calhoun, the T. Gibbs Kane, Jr. W’69 Director of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Pennsylvania. “We remain hopeful that the recent measures put in place by many health organizations, government officials and academic institutions will curtail the spread of this disease. Penn has hosted the Penn Relays for 125 consecutive years through the World Wars and other world-wide health issues. This spirit of perseverance and resiliency will continue as we plan for a track meet later in the year when the health and safety of our community is more certain.”

Penn will endeavor to host a substitute track meet at a later date. The three-day event will shorten into a one-day event designed to provide the opportunity for youth, high school and open runners to persevere and enjoy a competitive and festive atmosphere which they might have missed this spring.

“No one associated with the Penn Relays has ever wanted to see a cancellation,” said Dave Johnson, the Frank Dolson Director of the Penn Relays. “While participating in the meet as an athlete, coach or official remains a bucket list goal for many, the event has long served as an annual homecoming for families, friends, teams and social groups. Without the Penn Relays, springtime in Philadelphia will not be the same. We will be back for the 2021 Penn Relays on April 22-24 at Franklin Field, when we hope to see brighter days and be reunited with Penn Relays family.”

The Penn Relays has adapted to worldwide conditions in the past. The meet was altered in 1917 and 1918 when several colleges, including most Ivy League institutions, curtailed their track programs during World War I. During World War II, travel restrictions reduced participation and spectator attendance while gas rationing was in effect in 1943 and 1944.

By default, all ticket orders will be credited toward the 2021 event; however, refunds for the sale price of 2020 tickets will be available by request. Per ticket fees and order processing fees will not be refunded. By processing a refund, the account holder agrees to have all tickets removed from their account. Account holders will not be eligible for ticket renewal rates and must purchase at general public rates for the 2021 Relays. Should you wish to move forward with a ticket refund, you may not have access to the same seat location for the 2021 Relays. The deadline to request a refund is March 27, 2020. If you would like to proceed with a ticket refund, please go to https://tinyurl.com/relaysrefund