University of Birmingham athletes set for prestigious Penn Relays
A talented team of University of Birmingham student-athletes is set to make history later this month as they travel to Philadelphia to compete in the world-renowned Penn Relays, hosted at Franklin Field by the University of Pennsylvania.
Now in its 129th year, the Penn Relays is one of the most prestigious and historic athletics meets on the calendar, attracting top collegiate talent from across the NCAA, Ivy League institutions, and international universities. More than 100,000 spectators are expected to attend across the three-day event, making it an unmissable stage for student-athletes at the very top of their game.
This year’s trip carries extra significance, as it marks 62 years of Ivy League exchange with the University of Birmingham Athletics Club and forms part of the University’s 125 anniversary celebrations. A special reception event will take place during the trip, bringing together UoB alumni, student-athletes, and VIP guests including Ivy League coaches – with hopes of representation from the UK Ambassador’s office.
Who is competing?
The University will be represented by a small but mighty team of ten student-athletes, including multiple BUCS champions, Great Britain relay squad members, and international medallists. UoB will compete in the Men’s Distance Medley Relay, Women’s Sprint Medley Relay, and Men’s 4x800m, as well as a series of individual events across sprint, middle-distance, and field disciplines.
Confirmed athletes include:
- Tyler Bilyard (BUCS 1500m Champion, GB cross-country)
- Thomas Bridger (BUCS Steeplechase and 3000m Champion)
- Ben Gardiner (BUCS 800m Champion)
- Sam Davey (800m runner, club committee)
- Isabelle Skelton (BUCS 400m medallist, GB Junior relay)
- Bevan McCaffrey (100m Hurdler, Irish international)
- Alice Bennett (English Schools 800m Champion)
- Scarlett Thomas-Wright (100/200m sprinter)
- Kimani Jack (BUCS High Jump Champion)
- Ore Adepegba (BUCS Long Jump medallist)
When to watch
The team will travel out to Philadelphia on Tuesday 22 April, with competition taking place from Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 April. Highlights from the provisional schedule include:
- Men’s Distance Medley Relay – Friday 25 April at 2:05pm
- Women’s Sprint Medley Relay – Friday 25 April at 6.25pm
- Men’s 4x800m – Saturday 26 April at 2.18pm
Other events will see Birmingham athletes lining up in the 100m, 1500m, high jump, and long jump across the weekend. A full itinerary also includes a city tour, pre-competition training at UPenn, and a 125-themed reception event hosted at The Study at University City.
Follow the action
While no official UoB media team will be travelling, updates will be shared throughout the trip via @UBSport channels, with content captured on the ground by University staff.
Stay tuned for updates as Birmingham’s best take on the international stage!
