A Philadelphia staple, the Penn Relays are back this year. The 2022 Penn Relays will take place April 28-30 at the historic Franklin Field.

The Penn Relays draw many of the nation’s—and the world’s—top track athletes to Franklin Field to run in the world’s first and most recognized relay meet.

The Penn Relays feature more than 22,000 entrants annually (that’s more athletes participating than the Olympic Games), representing more than 60 countries around the world. During the past ten years, more than 100,000 young men and women from high schools, colleges, clubs, the armed services, preparatory schools, junior high schools, middle schools, parochial schools, and elementary schools have competed. The athletes range in age from under eight to over 80.

This year, during 33 hours of competition on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, more that 425 races will be run, an average of more than one race every five minutes.

Tickets for students are free on Thursday and Friday with a PennCard, $6 in advance on Saturday, and $10 at the gate. For faculty and staff: on Thursday, bring your child to work and get two free tickets with a valid PennCard. On Friday and Saturday, faculty and staff receive 50% off race day prices with a valid PennCard. Offers are only redeemable in person at the Franklin Field Ticket Office.

COVID-19 Heath and Safety Guidelines

Spectator Policy: On Monday, April 18, 2022, the City of Philadelphia will move to “Response Level 2: Mask Precautions”, requiring all spectators to wear masks indoors.  Since the Penn Relays is held outdoors at Franklin Field and the Mondschein Throwing Complex, the only time masks will be required to be worn in the Carnival Village footprint will be in the Palestra for viewing “The Carnival: 125 Years of the Penn Relays” documentary.  Spectators are advised to bring a mask with them when attending Penn Relays as all other surrounding buildings, restaurants, and businesses, on and off campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, will be requiring masks to be worn indoors.  Spectators should feel welcome to wear masks outdoors as they feel comfortable.

Spectators are not required to show proof of vaccination to gain admission through designated fan entrance gates.  Spectators should continue to monitor their health symptoms daily and not attend the 2022 Penn Relays if they are sick.

Any further updates to spectator policies will be based upon the four COVID-19 response levels created by the City of Philadelphia which could fluctuate up to and during the event.

Participant Policy: All Scholastic, Special Olympics, Masters, Corporate Relay, and Racewalk participants in the 2022 Penn Relays are not required to show proof of vaccination to gain admission to the 2022 Penn Relays through the Contestant Gate. 
 
All Collegiate and Olympic Development participants should follow the health and safety recommendations of their institution, conference, or national governing body.  These participants are not required to file the University’s COVID-19 Attestation Form. 
 
On Monday, April 18, 2022, the City of Philadelphia will move to “Response Level 2: Mask Precautions”, requiring all participants to wear masks indoors.  Indoor facilities within the Penn Relay Carnival footprint are the Hecht Tennis Center (packet pick up) and the Palestra (viewing “The Carnival: 125 Years of the Penn Relays” documentary).  Participants are advised to bring a mask with them when attending Penn Relays as all other surrounding buildings, restaurants, and businesses, on and off campus of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, will be requiring masks to be worn indoors.  Participants should feel welcome to wear masks outdoors as they feel comfortable.  Participants should continue to monitor their health symptoms daily and not attend the 2022 Penn Relays if they feel sick.
 
Any further updates to health and safety guidelines for participants will be based upon the four COVID-19 response levels created by the City of Philadelphia.  These could fluctuate up to and during the event.