• It is the longest uninterrupted collegiate track meet athletic event in the country and is the largest meet (outside of the Olympics) that attracts over 22,000 athletes primarily from the northeast United States and the Caribbean, namely Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahamas and Grenada;

• Through 117 editions of the meet, more athletes have run at the Penn Relays than at any single meet in the world;

• More spectators have watched the meet than any in the world except the Olympics and World Championships;

• Jamaica has competed at the Penn Relays for over 60 years, and during that time our athletes have made significant contributions to the success of the Relays;

• The continued success of the Jamaican athletes has brought the fans to record breaking numbers for the past several years. It is estimated that of the 100,000 to 125,000 persons attending Penn over the 3 day period over 70% are Jamaicans/Caribbean nationals;

• The Relays present an opportunity to re-unite with friends and families. It provides for friendly competition among schools and is especially a grand display of national pride.

Here’s a sample of 2010 Penn Relays media coverage

Usain Bolt electrifies the Penn Relays (Washington Post)
The Penn Relays Expand Borders
Bolt Draws Crowd and Delivers a Record at Penn Relays (New York Times)
Scorching run by Bolt (Jamaica Gleaner)
Bolt-mania spills over as Jamaica wins 4x100m (NBC Universal)
Hearts Racing (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Bolt dazzles at Penn Relays (Sports Illustrated)