Reviving Tradition: The 2024 Penn Relays Showcase World-Class Athletes and Storied Competitions
From April 25 to 27, the 2024 Penn Relays once again gathered top athletes from across the globe in Philadelphia. This annual track and field event, scheduled in the days leading up to the last Saturday of April, featured participants mainly from Eastern colleges—from New England down through Virginia, including West Virginia. The "Championship of America" events remained the pinnacle, while the "Final" events offered other competitors a spotlight. The relays were segmented into different categories, with each day providing a summary of races and outcomes.
The 2024 Penn Relays, a cornerstone of the track and field season, returned to its traditional late-April slot, attracting top-tier athletes from colleges primarily in the Eastern United States, ranging from New England through Virginia, including West Virginia. The event took place from April 25 to 27 and brought together a competitive field in Philadelphia.
Highlighted events included the prestigious "Championship of America" and the "Final" competitions, which allowed a broader range of athletes to compete for titles. The venue was divided into the "North Straight" and "South Straight" for various races, enhancing the organization and spectator experience.
Exclusive competitions for members of the Centennial, Middle Atlantic, and CTC conferences were also featured, providing additional opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills. Here are the notable winners across the three days of the event:
Track Event Winners:
- College Women's 400m Hurdles: Savannah Sutherland, Michigan
- College Men's 400m Hurdles: Devin Nugent, Pittsburgh
- College Women's 1500m: Teagan Schein-Becker, Rider
- College Men's 1500m: Collin Gilstrap, Stony Brook
- College Women's 3000m Steeplechase: Olivia Morganti, Penn
- College Men's 3000m Steeplechase: Kristian Imroth, Eastern Kentucky
- College Women's 5000m: Jette Beermann, Elon
- College Men's 5000m: Will Coogan, North Carolina
- College Women's 10,000m: Leah Stephens, NC State
- College Men's 10,000m: Joshua Methner, Notre Dame
Field Event Winners:
- College Women's Hammer Throw: Abria Smith, Hampton
- College Men's Hammer Throw: Nathan Williams, Stevenson
- College Women's Discus: Nya Harmon, Hampton
- College Men's Javelin: Connor Hayford, UConn
- College Women's High Jump: Carly Tarentino, Virginia
- College Men's Long Jump: Sean Wray, Howard
The Penn Relays not only served as a competitive platform but also celebrated the spirit of collegiate athletics, bringing together a diverse group of institutions in a display of sportsmanship and competition prowess. The event highlighted emerging talents and served as a stepping stone for future professional athletes.
