Franklin Field at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, has hosted Penn Relays – a festival of relay racing – since 1895. The event effectively launched the relay running format, and while other events have since been added, the focus on celebrating the collective remains – as does its importance on the track and field calendar. The event also helped put the city of Philadelphia on the map as one of the world’s great homes to athletics. 

We asked six athletes from the 2023 UPenn Penn Relays team about the enduring meaning of the event – and what makes “Philly” such a special place to be.

What does Penn Relays mean to you? 

Penn Relays is a true celebration of the sport of track and field. The excitement, the energy, the pure joy of competing and watching other incredible runners compete is simply unmatched. This year is special, though. It’s not only my first time running at Penn Relays, but I’m representing the University of Pennsylvania. I’m incredibly honored to rep the stripes across my chest on my home track in front of so many avid fans of the sport.

Not only do I want to win for myself, but I want to win for my team. Having the chance to do both has helped shape me into the runner I am, someone who is self-driven yet supportive of my teammates who push me to be even better every day. 

Your favorite thing about Philadelphia is… The food for sure. Even as a self-proclaimed “picky eater”, I’ve found myself trying delicious new food, from great dim sum spots at University City to fancy meals with a view at the JG Sky High restaurant in Center City. There’s something for everyone. My favorite place to hang out is Rittenhouse Square. It’s a nice, walkable part of the city and keeps me endlessly entertained with all the great eats and stores to roam. 

What’s your biggest dream right now? I want to qualify for the NCAA Championships. I’m just a freshman and have so much time to learn, and grow and develop as an athlete, but I’m truly confident that I can make that dream happen. 

What does Penn Relays mean to you? 

Team! It reminds me of the legacy and the program that Penn [university] has been able to build. This team is connected past and present, and Penn Relays reminds me that I’m part of something so much bigger than just here and now. 

There is something about a relay that pushes you to that next level. It is one thing to be able to run for yourself, but to run for the team means so much more. Our coaches like to say that we all feed off the energy of Penn Relays and bring our best on those days. Our team has a way of really showing up while competing at this event, and I think it’s because of how much we are running as a team. 

Your favorite thing about Philadelphia is… 

The people here. People are bonded by sports and a shared love for the city. They make it such a great place to be. 

I like to hang out in West Philly, a little past campus. Clark Park is beautiful with lots of old houses, history and plants everywhere. 

What’s your biggest dream right now?

Break the school's steeplechase record!

Name: Katie Pou

Year: Class of 2025

Distance: 5,000m

Voted most likely to: Be a girl boss in NYC. 

Philly cheesesteak or Philly cheesecake? I have a sweet tooth, so I would have to go with a Philly cheesecake. 

How would your teammates describe you? Hard-working, funny, an encouraging friend

What does Penn Relays mean to you?

Penn Relays is such a historic event, and it is amazing to be able to represent Penn as a track athlete competing in the meet. Penn Relays draws in the biggest crowds, brings people together from across the globe and has the best energy. It’s the most anticipated event of our regular season. 

And when you’re competing as a team, you are competing for something bigger than yourself. 

What I love most about my team is their kindness and shared love for track. I have created so many long-lasting friendships across the team. We have so much fun together at practice, playing music over the speaker at Franklin Field and pushing each other when training gets hard. My teammates constantly inspire me to chase my goals. The Penn track family is something special to be a part of, and I always try to carry their contagious, positive energy to the track when competing. 

Your favorite thing about Philadelphia is… 

The great food and diverse culture. I love exploring the city with my friends, running along the Schuylkill river and going out during the city’s restaurant weeks.  My favorite place to hang out is Cira Green –a rooftop green space overlooking the city. It’s a great place to spend time with friends, eat, work, or watch movies or games on the big screen.  

What’s your biggest dream right now?

To create my own sustainable fashion brand.

What does Penn Relays mean to you?

Penn Relays represents what running track and field is all about. Everyone is trying their best to win the race, no matter how fast each member of the team runs. Having each other in the moments before the race and knowing that you need to run for one another helps each individual to get the most out of themselves. 

I was able to compete last year in the 4x800 Championship relay. It was exciting to compete in an energetic environment with some of the best athletes in the NCAA.

Your favorite thing about Philadelphia is…

The culture of the city sets Philadelphia apart from other cities on the East Coast. I like spending time on the [Schuylkill] river path, which is where our team does most of our runs. 

What’s your biggest dream right now? Sending a Penn team to Nationals to compete in a relay event.

What does Penn Relays mean to you? I’ve never raced at Penn Relays, but from what I've heard, it should be the most exciting track meet I've ever been to. Penn Relays was a big reason why I wanted to come to Penn. I'm excited to see, and be part of, one of the world's biggest track and field meetings. I've always been more of a team-oriented person, and in a sport that's very self-centric, it's hard to carry the same team aspect. Being part of relays and a team setting in this individual sport just means much more. Doing everything I’m physically capable of to help others on my team gives me satisfaction and motivation that I never had in individual sport. 

Your favorite thing about Philadelphia is… The young energy. A lot of college-aged kids live in the city, and I always end up being around people my age regardless of where I go. Cira Green is a scenic spot where you can see the sun set over the city, which is cool. Reading Terminal Market is the best form of chaos this city has to offer. Hearing the commotion and the people of the city congregate makes it a lot of fun. 

What’s your biggest dream right now? I want to bring a couple of Ivy League Championships back to Franklin Field. Also to break 4 minutes in the mile. 

Name: Nick Carpenter

Year: Class of 2026

Distance: 5000m

Philly cheesesteak or Philly cheesecake? Cheesesteak because they are delicious. How would your teammates describe you? Charismatic, friendly, unorthodox

What does Penn Relays mean to you?

I’ve never been, but I watched it live on TV. I’m from Florida, so not many of my friends have been either. Competing as a team means that you will always have to give your all because others are relying on you.

Your favorite thing about Philadelphia is… I love the townhouses in the city. And there’s always a good time to be had at the [UPenn] upperclassmen cross-country house. 

What’s your biggest dream right now? To be healthy and consistently scoring for Penn.

The athletes are wearing pieces from the Penn Relays Capsule Collection. Featuring a running tee and a singlet, this limited edition capsule celebrates the oldest track and field event in the US. Designed with Philadelphia-based studio Actual Source, the bold typographic design embodies varsity spirit and style. Shop now – while stocks last.