By Pat Loeb

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Some 22,000 athletes have gathered in West Philadelphia for amateur racing’s biggest event: the Penn Relays.

The Penn Relays has been hosting the class of high school and collegiate track and field since 1895. But, every years is somebody’s first time.

“We’ve never actually competed against so many teams in one race, just waiting to run the 4 x 100 was insane. We had to push through a crowd.”

“It felt amazing, like after you ran it was just like oh my god, I just ran at Penn Relays,” said one excited participant. “But it was so nerve wracking in the beginning but it was so worth it.”

More than 100,000 spectators are expected over the weekend. Sportswriter Chuck Durante says aficionado’s — once the only attendees — are happy to share the experience with a wider audience.

Chuck Durante (credit: Pat Loeb)

“They’ve topped it off with having internationally prominent athletes here for this ‘USA vs. The World’ showdown, but watching West Philadelphia and Central Bucks West is enough for most of us.”

The event runs through Saturday.

SEE: Guide To The Penn Relays