Thousands of athletes and spectators will descend on the Finger Lakes next weekend as the Seneca7 running relay returns for its 13th year, bringing traffic changes and a high-energy atmosphere to the region.
The 77.7-mile race around Seneca Lake begins at 5:45 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, in downtown Geneva. A total of 302 teams, each composed of seven runners, will compete in waves throughout the morning. The event follows a counterclockwise loop around the lake, heading south on Route 14, through Watkins Glen by midday, and up the eastern shoreline into the evening.
“Runners will be spaced out in 11 waves, with the first at 5:45 a.m. and the final wave starting at 9:15,” said race director Ian Golding. “We expect to see traffic along the west side of the lake during the morning hours, through Watkins Glen around mid-day, and along the eastern shore in the later morning, afternoon, and into the evening.”
Organizers are urging drivers to take extra caution throughout the day, especially on East Lake Road between Sampson State Park and Geneva between 4 and 8 p.m., when race traffic is expected to peak.
The Seneca7 depends on a large network of local volunteers to manage the complex logistics of the relay. “This race wouldn’t be what it is today without the volunteers who come out from Geneva and the communities around the lake,” said race co-director Jackie Augustine, adding that over 20 local nonprofits will provide volunteers this year.
Sixteen teams are also racing in charity slots, having paid higher entry fees to benefit the organizations of their choice. The charity teams include The Running Joke’s On Us, Robe Squadron, Buffalo Sole Sisters, The Uncrustables, and 7-Eleven Millers, among others.
“These organizations are doing amazing work in our community, and it means a lot to our athletes to be able to give back,” Augustine said.
Co-director Jeff Henderson noted the race’s increasingly smooth execution and community involvement. “Before the day is over they will run through city parks, village parks, state parks, even a state park golf course,” he said. “All along the way people from the community come out to cheer on these athletes and make them feel welcome.”
Teams have registered from 16 states, including participants traveling from Texas and Colorado. Local businesses have also offered their properties as exchange points, often giving up customer parking to support the race.
“The Finger Lakes is the perfect backdrop for a race like this,” Henderson said. “This community comes together in a way that makes our runners want to keep coming back.”
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