Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
In three days, the cost of entry for thousands of athletes to have their Penn Relays moment is a grueling lap (or more) on the track. (Photos by Justin Sorensen for A Mile. A Minute.)

Shutter Speed: Penn Relays Stays in Full Frame

The oldest track and field meet in the country barely showed signs of age at the 129th running of the Penn Relays during three days of seemingly endless events to pull April to a close.

Justin Sorensen combed historic Franklin Field in Philadelphia to gather a polished collection of raw prep talents, a glimpse of what could be next in collegiate powerhouses, while seasoned pro notables opened the gates on the start of a saturated outdoor campaign on the track.

And what emerged once the final shutter clicked is a visual appraisal of intimate access — through the following images — that appears to separate the emotions of droves of loyal Jamaican supporters, the mass synchronization of event volunteers and echo of decades of past order to simply run through the line.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The intensity and pace at Penn Relays has to be witnessed and is barely contained by the cavernous Franklin Field.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The meet is officially called The Penn Relay Carnival and was cooked up as a way for the University of Pennsylvania Track and Field committee to build more buzz for their spring meet in 1893 meet.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Penn Relays has become a pivotal stop for track and field diehards, Penn alumni, Jamaican prep schools and pros testing their early season mechanics.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The event has largely been given credit for boosting the visibility of relay races, which are now commonplace at most track meets.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
In 1900, jumps were added to the meet along with the 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, 120-yard hurdles, high jump, pole vault, shot put and hammer throw with some adjustments over the years. Yards for events were converted to meters in 1976.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The showcase is a major stage for regional prep notables to have breakout performances while collegiate teams use Penn to get sharp before conference championships.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The relays are wildly competitive, with national records falling while collisions in crowded heats are sometimes common. But it adds and extra layer of excitement to and meet that has not lost its luster.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
All three days of competition are a whirlwind of action, with each relay part of a choreographed sync that moves teams on and off the track as the next race approaches.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The meet was dubbed a “carnival” since spectators and teams would assemble tents on site in the early 1900s, a tradition that has continued and expanded to present day.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Emotion is a prerequisite at Penn Relays; an intangible that helps power the best teams to victory.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Organizing thousands of athletes over three days would be impossible without the work of volunteers, many who are graduates of Penn and donate their time to the meet.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
High school phenom Quincy Wilson’s 43.99 split powered Bullis School to a 3:06.31 finish in the 4x400m, breaking a 40-year-old American prep record, as Jamaica’s Kingston College HS bolted to the win in 3:05.93.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Packed stands make Franklin Field feel like the stakes are raised, with intensity of the ending of many of the races feeling amplified as the roar from the seats is directed at the finish line.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The calm during the lineup for the next race is often interrupted by the constant flow of other teams filing in — and out — of the area just outside of the track.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Franklin Field was built with the sole intent for Penn Relays, opened in 1895 and would later accommodate football.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Before taking the track, soaking in the vibe of an active race is unavoidable but a necessary rite and and exercise in patience.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Penn Relays has held steady since 1895, with its single cancelation occurring in 2020 because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
But as busy as the track is during the meet, the infield is just as active, with jumpers and throwers converging as baton passes happen constantly — a few away.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The feel of the track at Penn means connect with well over 100 years of history and tradition that does not stray far from its roots — but changes over the years have persisted.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
At the end of the three-day meet, thousands of athletes had their moment at Penn as the school year rapidly comes to a close.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
The handoff has always been the signature gesture at Penn, where races are won or lost during a chaotic or graceful moment that captivates the crowd.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
Obvious messaging can be missed while working through a race and simply trying to stay within the lanes. But numbers dreams became reality at Penn.
Penn Relays by Justin Sorensen
With the blocks serving the sole purpose of solace before the crack of the starter’s pistol, execution on the track overcomes nerves and flows through the baton.

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