“The Penn Relays is the oldest and largest track and field competition in the United States, hosted annually since 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It regularly attracts more than 15,000 participants from high schools, colleges, and track clubs throughout North America and abroad, notably Jamaica, competing in more than 300 events over five days. Historically, the event has been credited with popularizing the running of relay races. It is held during the last full week of April. Attendance typically tops 100,000 over the final three days.”

Source: Wikipedia, the free content encyclopedia.

This essay focuses on the athletic abilities as well as the physical and emotional consequences of competitive track and field at the annual Penn Relays.

“Penn Relays 2008″ by Mustafah Abdulaziz

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Caption: A runner leads the pack during the Women’s 4×400 Championship.

Caption: High school athletes from Delaware stretch in the earling morning of the second day of the event.

Caption: A long jumper searches for his results on the board after his leap.

Caption: Coaches and athletes search the board for their scores and placement.

Caption: A Eastside High School athlete breaks down in the underground areas of Franklin Fields stadium after loosing in the 4×100 competition.

Caption: Taking advantage of the cool subterranean tunnels of Franklin Fields, female college athletes stretch, lay down and hydrate before their 4×400 competition.

Caption: A Brooklyn High School coach yells from the stands during her team’s 4×100 competition.

Caption: High school athletes are rounded and processed for competition.

Caption: Seconds after running, a college athlete collapses near the sidelines.

Caption: Wolmer’s Boys athletes from Kingston, Jamaica, during their 4×400 run.

Caption: A college athlete after placing 4th in the pole vault.

Caption: Winners of the 2008 Women’s 4×400 Championship celebrate.

“Penn Relays” by Mustafah Abdulaziz/MJR