Penn Relays 2026: Records, Rain, and Remarkable Performances

The 130th staging of the Penn Relays delivered everything fans have come to expect—cold, rain‑kissed skies, electrifying competition, and history‑making performances. Despite the cold, rainy weather, Franklin Field pulsed with energy as athletes from across the U.S. and the Caribbean battled through three days of unforgettable action. 

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Records Broken at the 2026 Penn Relays

Several meet and collegiate records fell this year, showcasing the rising talent across High Schools, Colleges, and Olympic Development athletes.  Some new records set included:

• Women’s 3000m Steeplechase – Angelina Napoleon (NC State) - Broke the meet record in her season debut, surpassing the previous mark set at last year’s Relays. 

• Women’s 400m Hurdles – Sanaa Hebron (University of Miami) - Shattered the meet record with a 55.30 finish, taking down the previous record by hundredths of a second. 

• High School Girls’ 3000m – Blair Bartlett (Lawrenceville School) - Broke her own meet record from 2025, finishing in 9:04.92. 

• Collegiate Field Event Record – Jessica Oji (University of Pennsylvania) - Captured the collegiate title with an 18.15m throw, marking a standout performance in the shot put. 

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COA 4x400m Boys: A Stunning Upset

The High School Boys’ 4x400m Championship of America delivered one of the weekend’s most dramatic finishes.  Bullis School (MD)—anchored by Olympic athlete and high school standout Quincy Wilson—stormed to victory in 3:10.15, defeating Jamaica College and Kingston College, two traditional powerhouses who have dominated the event for years. Jamaica College finished in 3:13.57, with Kingston College close behind at 3:14.74. 

This upset ended the day with roars from the crowd, marking a rare break in Jamaica’s long‑standing dominance in the event.

A Stadium United: The 100m for Men 80+

One of the most emotional highlights came when the stadium rose to its feet—every single spectator—to cheer on the Men’s 100m for athletes over 80 years old.  The race embodied the spirit of Penn Relays: endurance, joy, and community. Fans braved the cold rain to honor these remarkable competitors, celebrating every stride with heartfelt applause.

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Marymount High School (Jamaica): A Proud First Penn Relays Appearance

Making their debut appearance, Marymount High School from Jamaica stepped onto the Franklin Field stage with pride and determination. Supported by U.S. Elite International, the team represented their school with heart. Marymount Athletes participated in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays. Couple of the athletes also competed in individual field events. Even without podium finishes, the athletes' presence marked a milestone—the beginning of a new chapter for the school’s track program.

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A Cold, Rainy, but Classic Penn Relays Weekend

True to tradition, the weather delivered its usual Penn Relays chill—cold, rainy, and windy—yet the meet ran with its signature precision and smooth coordination. Athletes adapted as they always do, fans endured, and the magic of Franklin Field prevailed.  With the next Olympics set to be hosted in Los Angeles, keep your eyes peeled for Penn Relays standouts, you may see them there.