Penn Relays Opens Amid Cool Temperatures, Strong Winds, and A Touch of Rain
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 121st Penn Relays are underway at Franklin Field, in West Philadelphia, and spectators from all over the world were braving the elements today to watch the competitions.
Today's events were mostly for high school athletes. With temperatures in the 40s and 50s, gusty wind throughout the day, and a little bit of rain here and there, it wasn't the easiest day to be a track-and-field fan.
"I have a long-sleeve thermal, a sweatshirt, and a windshirt," said one woman. One man said he was wearing "a t-shirt, a jacket, and a hoodie over that."
Competition officials, in many cases, were wearing overcoats and gloves today.
Many of the thousands of spectators in attendance came from warmer climates.
"Well, it is different from Jamaica," said one Philadelphia visitor, "but I just look forward to going back because I know I'm going to have that hot weather when I go back."
A lot of the athletes say by wearing layers of sweatclothes, doing lots of warm-up exercises, and having a case of nerves, the cold wasn't really a factor for them.
Tomorrow, it will be the college athletes' turn.