Penn Relays

Recently Resurfaced, Purpose-Built for Speed

Franklin Field’s oval was recently refreshed with a Rekortan M99 system, our impermeable, full-pour, polyurethane construction known for elite energy return and long-term resiliency. The stadium has featured Rekortan since 1988; the new resurfacing continues that lineage while giving athletes the definitive feel they expect on race day.

What makes M99 special? Rekortan’s full-PUR build stacks specialized layers, including a fluid-applied topcoat with a dense matrix of broadcast EPDM granules, are engineered for traction, predictable footing, and force reduction without deadening the track. In short, athletes get confidence through the curve, pop off the toe, and consistency from first gun to final anchor.

Ready for Every Event at the Relays

The Penn Relays compress an entire season of racing on tracks into one spectacle: short sprints and long relays, middle-distance tactical battles, open races, championship finals, and the endless choreography of steps, exchanges, and surges. Rekortan from Advanced Polymer Technology is built for that variety. Its surface uniformity across lanes and curves helps sprinters put down power and carry speed; its tuned shock absorption and energy return help middle- and long-distance athletes minimize fatigue and maintain cadence late in the race. On a meet that routinely draws more than 15,000 competitors and 110,000 spectators, that reliability is not a luxury; it is the baseline.

Franklin Field’s unique configuration also has to handle enormous fields and dense schedules. The recent Rekortan update helped ensure the oval and infield work in concert, supporting the meet’s famous depth while keeping the racing fast from morning heats to evening finals.