Penn Relays kick off in University City

UNIVERSITY CITY (WPVI) -- The nation's oldest, and largest, track-and-field event is now underway in University City.

Evens kicked off Thursday morning to begin the first day of competition.

More than a thousand high schools and more than 200 colleges have registered, bringing thousands of competitors flocking to Franklin Field.

"There's pretty much no other track meet like it," said Evann Thompson.

Mount Laurel native Evann Thompson competed at Penn Relays in high school and she's now representing University of Pittsburgh.

But she says it hasn't gotten old.

"For you to be not a pro athlete and be in this environment it's really exciting."

The first races got underway Thursday morning and competition is fierce.

Athletes from 36 different state and 8 different countries are represented in the 121st Penn Relay Carnival.

A lot of eyes are watching and this can be a good opportunity for high school students to be spotted by college coaches.

"It's just a big platform because anyone who is anyone is here basically. You just do what you do and show what you can do to coaches," said Camden High School student Jenia Hudson

But it's not just the size of this meet - it's the history.

The Penn Relays were founded in 1895. Athletes are here hoping to leave their mark and perhaps leave here with their personal best.

"Just looking to set some pr's make a statement," said University of Maryland student Alexandra Cimino.

You still have time to check out the competitions - events run through Saturday, April 25.