129th Penn Relays kicks off at Franklin Field in University City

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thursday marked the start of the oldest track and field meet in the country at the 129th running of the Penn Relays.

Athletes from all over the world are competing at the historic Franklin Field at the three-day event.

"When you talk about just sheer volume from a participatory standpoint, today is a huge day and that just makes it fun," said Aaron Robison, associate director of the Penn Relays.

Seventeen thousand athletes from high school to masters level will compete in the relays this weekend, which also draws around 100,000 spectators.

"It's exciting, it's thrilling, but at our age, we're just happy to be out here being able to run and compete," said Betsy Stewart, who raced with the Greater Philadelphia Track Club.

While some athletes competed for fun, others competed for their futures. Aaron McKenzie, from Kingston College in Jamaica, came hoping to turn heads of scouts from top universities.

"In a small island like Jamaica, thisis a great opportunity for athletes like me to come on an international stage," he said.

Thursday's stage featured mainly prelims for high school boys relays, bringing out crowds of proud parents like Michael McLeary from North Philadelphia.

"My heart is overwhelmed. I'm so excited, words can't even express," he said.

He hopes to spend all weekend in these stands cheering on his son and watching professional athletes race too.

"Just to soak up as much information as you can. Just keep watching and paying attention. Every little thing, detail is important," he said.