Morris/Sussex Athletes Gear Up for the 2026 Penn Relays

Chasing Dreams at the Penn Relays

The prestigious Penn Relays is not just a competition; it's a rite of passage for many young athletes. Set to take place from April 23 to 25 at Franklin Field, University of Pennsylvania, this year's event promises thrilling races, soaring spirits, and all the heart that track and field embodies.

Incredible Preparation

After the Morris Hills boys 4x800 team received their official invitation to the Penn Relays, senior Nolan Ribeiro couldn't contain his excitement. "I barely slept that night," he admitted. Instead of tossing and turning, he dove into research, analyzing videos of past races at this electric carnival of athletic feats.

He learned that the average attendance over three days hovers around a staggering 100,000 spectators—a testament to the iconic status of this meet. Ribeiro also studied race dynamics, particularly the aggressive starts that characterize many events. It's a whole different ballgame on a stage this large!

Each Runner's Journey

For Gianna Benfatti of Roxbury, running the leadoff leg of her team's 4x800 relay is an opportunity to shine, especially since this will be her second time at Penn Relays. Her understanding has deepened from advice shared by last year's leadoff runner, Leah Johnson, alongside insights from her mother, Vanessa, a Morris County record-holder in the 400 meters.

"I've got to be tough mentally and physically, and remember my teammates are counting on me, so I run it as fast as I can," Benfatti reflected. "It's nerve-racking, but using that energy to my advantage helps me run faster."

The Races Ahead

This year's races will feature not only the 4x800 events, but also a riveting lineup of 4x100 and 4x400 heats. I can't wait to witness the excitement unfold on Thursday at 9 AM, when the girls 4x800 kicks off the competition. Teams like Randolph, Roxbury, and Morristown are all vying to bring home glory.

Highlight Reel of Competitors

The spotlight will also shine on individual events with 35 girls and 28 boys from New Jersey invited for a spectrum of disciplines, from sprints to throws. Among them, Seannah Parsons, the NJSIAA Meet of Champions triple jump champion, aims to follow in the footsteps of notable athletes like Keturah Orji, who previously excelled at the Penn Relays and beyond.

Montville's Anthony Agnoli, who earned second place in the MOC shot put, will also compete in discus, while Kennan Byers will represent Randolph's mile team on Friday.

Preparation and Anticipation

"I'm looking forward to it," Ribeiro said, reflecting on the profound meaning behind competing at such a revered event. "Thinking about the long line of history for your school inspires you to push harder becomes more than just an individual goal. It's about the team and the legacy we're building together."

The 2026 Morris/Sussex Penn Relays Schedule

Thursday, April 23

• Girls 4x800 heats: Randolph at 9:00 AM, Roxbury at 9:23 AM, Morristown at 9:34 AM
• Girls 4x100 heats: Scheduled throughout the morning, featuring teams from Morris Hills to West Morris beginning at 9:45 AM
• Girls triple jump Championship of America: Seannah Parsons, Randolph at noon
• Girls 4x400 heats: Begin at 1:20 PM with a dramatic finish expected around 3:29 PM for Roxbury.

Friday, April 24

• Boys discus Championship of America: Anthony Agnoli at 9 AM
• Boys 4x800 heats: Morris Hills at 9:20 AM
• Boys mile Championship of America: Kennan Byers at 5:20 PM

Saturday, April 25

• Boys 4x400 heats: Commencing at 8:50 AM, with action echoing throughout the morning

The anticipation is electric, and as we count down to the event, the resilience and determination of these young athletes feel palpable.

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Morris/Sussex athletes excited to compete at 2026 Penn Relays