PHILADELPHIA  – Gen.G, the global esports organization connecting the best gamers in the United States and Asia, and The Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track and field relay competition in the U.S., are partnering to produce an all-new Digital Penn Relays, presented by The United States Marine Corps. The Digital Penn Relays will be the first ever digital livestream with gaming-related content designed to connect the community with competition and infotainment. The event will take place on April 24 from 12-5 PM EST at twitch.tv/thepennrelays, which would have been Day Two of the previously scheduled three-day 2020 Penn Relays presented by Toyota that were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the center of the Digital Penn Relays event, multiple teams of speedrunners and individuals will compete against each other to conquer custom-built Minecraft courses around famed Franklin Field, including hurdles, water, lava and an ice race course with boats. Echoing the traditional Penn Relays, teams will include boys & girls high school and collegiate divisions as well as several Olympic Development athletes. With a focus on bridging the generations of gaming, teams can also be a mix of Penn students, high school students, parents, alumni, faculty and speedrunners. 

Participants are encouraged to film themselves saying "We're Still Running" and post on social media with #WereStillRunning and #DigitalPennRelays for a chance to be integrated into the campaign leading up to and during the event. Throughout the livestream, fans will enjoy snippets of past champions sharing their greatest moments at The Penn Relays.

The Digital Penn Relays at twitch.tv/thepennrelays will also feature:

• Virtual Tables – sponsors will show off their products and services while school clubs & organizations will show off their hard work during the stream
• Workout Class – Penn Staff will lead a virtual workout for the home audience

Anyone who would like to participate must sign up here: Digital Penn Relays Sign Up Link

"We were already planning a digital activation with Gen.G during our traditional event, so we're even more excited to elevate our stream and showcase the rich history of The Penn Relays with the next generation of gamers of all ages," said Scott Ward, Executive Director of The Penn Relays. "Even with the physical event being interrupted, we couldn't miss the opportunity to keep our community connected and celebrate our pedigree of world class track and field athletes."

"The United States Marine Corps is proud to continue our relationship with the Penn Relays as the presenting sponsor of the first ever Penn SpeedRunner Relays," said LtCol Christian Devine, National Director of Marketing and Communications for the Marine Corps Recruiting Command. "The drive, determination and discipline of track and field athletes personifies the fighting spirit of all Marines. We are honored to extend our support to coaches, athletes, and communities who are searching for new ways to come together."

Gen.G's partnership with The Penn Relays is an extension of its education initiative to help colleges and universities connect its students, alumni and faculty with gaming.

"While students across the nation are staying home and keeping healthy, Gen.G is proud to build on its education programs digitally with The Penn Relays," said Jordan Sherman, Head of Revenue Operations for Gen.G. "We believe we've found the right mix of competition and entertainment, which at the same time will allow participants to still represent and cheer on their schools in this moment of time where we are devoid of all traditional sports."

Gen.G worked with Super League Gaming and its online Minecraft property, Minehut, to create a one-of-a-kind relay experience for players. On Minehut, players compete in four mini-games, reminiscent of traditional track and field events, in a digital field. "We are tremendous supporters of sports events like The Penn Relays and are honored to be able to help uphold this tradition for the community," said Nikki Shum-Harden, VP Partnerships and Strategic Marketing at Super League Gaming.

As part of its strategic vision, The Penn Relays presented by Toyota will strive to host additional events for the track and field community, whether digitally or live, and will return for the 2021 event from April 22-24 at historic Franklin Field. The Penn Relays has adapted to worldwide conditions in the past. The meet was altered in 1917 and 1918 when several colleges, including most Ivy League institutions, curtailed their track programs during World War I. During World War II, travel restrictions reduced participation and spectator attendance while gas rationing was in effect in 1943 and 1944.

About Gen.G
Established in 2017, Gen.G is the leading esports organization connecting the United States and Asia. Ranked No. 6 in the inaugural Forbes list of the "World's Most Valuable Esports Companies," Gen.G is the only major organization that owns and operates top teams in the world's leading esports markets — China, South Korea and the United States. Its unique portfolio of teams, winners of seven global championships to date, includes the Seoul Dynasty franchise of the Overwatch League; 2014 and 2017 League of Legends world champion team in South Korea; the world's top all-female Fortnite team, based in Los Angeles; and the NBA 2K League's historic expansion franchise in Shanghai.

United under #TigerNation, Gen.G's core mission is to help fans and athletes use the power of gaming and esports to get ahead in and beyond the competition. The company has quickly become a commercial and thought leader, building a global, inclusive and cross-cultural future for sports entertainment. Its widely acclaimed initiatives include: #TeamBumble, the leading team platform for the empowerment of women in gaming; and Gen.G Elite Esports Academy, the world's first fully-integrated academic esports program. Gen.G's teams, content creators and corporate staff work out of their offices in Los Angeles, Seoul and Shanghai. More information about Gen.G esports and its teams can be found at this link.

About Penn Athletics
The Division of Recreation and Intercollegiate Athletics is a broad-based division comprising 33 intercollegiate teams, 37 club sport teams, and expansive intramural sport and campus recreation programs, all taking place within 22 athletics and recreational facilities. The facilities are contained within a contiguous 24-acre footprint at the eastern end of campus, commonly thought to be one of the best athletics infrastructures among urban campuses, with assets such as Franklin Field, The Palestra, and Penn Park. The Penn Relays, the oldest and largest track competition held in the U.S., attracts more than 110,000 spectators and 15,000 competitors each spring.

About Super League Gaming
Super League Gaming is the amateur esports experience platform that connects and celebrates players, regardless of their age, game, or skill level. We're also a content engine empowering and encouraging gamers to participate and create — whether it's a YouTube video, a Minehut server, or a gameplay highlight on Framerate. Join the Super League community to feel the thrill of competition in a positive, inclusive space, while sharing your passion with others who share in yours.

About The Marine Corps
The Marine Corps national partnerships serve as a valuable opportunity to spread public awareness of the Marine Corps purpose by connecting the brand to those communities it serves. The Corps' relationship with coaches and athletes are integral to attracting qualified enlistees and officer candidates. Our Marine Recruiters serve every corner of the country and our priority during this national health emergency is the safety of them, their families, and the communities where they live and work. Right now, it's as important as ever that we band together as a nation. The first ever, Penn SpeedRunner Relays provides an innovative way to remain engaged with key publics that are integral to meeting recruiting objectives, while also observing important social distancing guidelines. The United States Marine Corps is committed to the Penn Relays track and field community and committed to supporting those coaches who help young Americans win battles every day. The Marine Corps integration into the event will include a simulated obstacle course competition for coaches, athletes and fans. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the opportunities available and register to initiate relationships with their local Marines.

Media Contacts:
Gen.G: [email protected] 
Penn Relays:  Kyle Gurganious, [email protected]