PHILADELPHIA (March 17, 2026) – The Penn Relays, one of the most historic and prestigious track & field events in the world, is excited to announce a new partnership with America250, the national nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the nationwide celebration of the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. America250 will present the 130^th running of the Penn Relays, taking place April 23-25, 2026, at Franklin Field on the University of Pennsylvania campus. Under the agreement, the event will formally be titled the 2026 Penn Relays, celebrating with America250.
 
For more than a century, the Penn Relays have been a cornerstone of athletic achievement and community spirit in track & field, bringing together athletes from around the world across ages, competitive levels, cultures, and nationalities. Each year, more than 100,000 fans gather in Philadelphia to watch over 17,000 athletes compete in race categories for youth, high school, Special Olympics, collegiate, masters, and Olympic Development. This global competition and celebration of sport has made the Penn Relays one of the most beloved traditions in track & field, uniting generations of athletes and fans through a shared passion for athletic excellence.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome America250 in such a prominent partnership," said Scott Ward, Executive Director of the Penn Relays. "For 130 years, the Penn Relays have represented far more than competition. The event brings together athletes from across the world, reflecting the diversity, unity, and shared passion that make track & field so special. Partnering with America250 during this milestone year is a natural fit, as both the Penn Relays and our nation celebrate histories that are enduring and strengthened by the communities that carry them forward."
 
Philadelphia, the birthplace of American democracy, serves as the perfect stage for this collaboration, highlighting how sport, history, and community intersect to inspire the next generation of athletes. The partnership comes at a particularly meaningful time, as the 130^th running of the Penn Relays coincides with the nation's 250^th anniversary, when the city will host numerous celebratory and impactful sporting events. Both milestones reflect legacies that are deeply rooted in tradition and strengthened by the diversity of the communities they represent. By coming together, the 2026 Penn Relays, celebrating with America250, recognize these parallel values, honoring both milestones while bringing people together through sport at a beloved and enduring athletic event.
 
America250 will also participate in the Penn Relays' full calendar of year-round events, including the Summer Showcase (July 2026), Homecoming Run (November 2026), and Winter Showcase (January 2027). This complements America250's collaborations with other prominent sports organizations such as the National Football League (NFL), Super Bowl LX, Major League Baseball (MLB), and the National Basketball Association (NBA) and underscores the Penn Relays' role as a powerful platform to connect athletes, fans, and communities across the nation.
 
"America's 250^th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the traditions and shared experiences that bring communities together," said Jen Condon, Executive Vice President at America250. "The Penn Relays have long been a powerful example of sport's ability to unite athletes and fans from around the world, and we are proud to be part of this historic 130^th running during the Semiquincentennial."
 
The agreement was developed in partnership with JMI Sports – the exclusive multimedia rights partner of Penn Athletics and the Penn Relays, operating locally as Penn Sports Properties – and will feature a dynamic range of integrated multimedia activations designed to bring America250 to life onsite and engage fans and athletes alike. 
 
"Bringing the Penn Relays and America250 together is a powerful reflection of how sports play a key role in defining our nation's history, creating an incredible opportunity to celebrate shared traditions," said Adam Donaldson, Senior Vice President, JMIS Properties at JMI Sports. "We are proud to help connect these two anniversaries and create a platform where sport, history, and culture come together in a meaningful way."
 
Tickets for the 2026 Penn Relays are available for purchase here.
 
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About America250
America250's mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America's Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation.  America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America.
 
About the Penn Relays
 The Penn Relays is part of the Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Pennsylvania which is a broad-based division comprising 33 intercollegiate teams, 35 club sport teams, and expansive intramural sport and campus recreation programs, all taking place within 22 athletics and recreational facilities. The facilities are contained within a contiguous 24-acre footprint at the eastern end of campus, commonly thought to be one of the best athletics infrastructures among urban campuses, with assets such as Franklin Field, the Palestra, Penn Park, and the Jane and David Ott Center for Track & Field.  The Penn Relays, the oldest and largest relay competition held in the US, typically attracts more than 17,000 competitors and 100,000 spectators each spring during the last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in April.  
 
About JMI Sports
JMI Sports is a leading media rights and venue development company that provides management of collegiate multimedia rights, sponsorship sales agency representation, and project management expertise for the development of collegiate and professional sports facilities. The company serves to maximize each client's economic potential through customized initiatives, from marketing and branding solutions to facility design strategies.
 
JMI Sports' signature collegiate multimedia rights partnerships include the University of Kentucky, the University of Utah, UCLA, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard University, DePaul University, Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego, University of San Diego, and joint-venture properties at the University of Georgia (with Learfield) and University of Notre Dame (with Legends). JMI Sports also represents multimedia rights for several conferences, including the Ivy League, the Mid-American Conference, the Mountain West Conference, the Patriot League, and the Atlantic 10, and serves as third-party sales representation for premier sports properties, venues, and events including Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center, the Rose Bowl, the Penn Relays, and USA Volleyball.
 
JMI Sports was founded in 2006 by CEO Erik Judson and technology entrepreneur John Moores, former owner of the San Diego Padres. To learn more, please visit www.jmisports.com.