Cold winds couldn’t stop Cornell Automatic from making history Sunday at the Seneca7, a grueling 77.7-mile relay race circling Seneca Lake.
The Ithaca-based team shattered their own male course record by five minutes, finishing in 7:22:20 and beating the previous 7:27:02 set in 2024. The race, which kicked off at 5:45 a.m. from Lakefront Park in Geneva, drew 293 teams of seven runners each, battling temperatures in the low 40s and wind chills that dipped into the high 20s.
“This was a windy one, perhaps the windiest we’ve had,” said race co-director Jeff Henderson. Despite the blustery conditions that knocked over port-a-potties and battered the finish line display, Henderson noted that most teams embraced the challenge. Race co-director Ian Golden added, “A few teams noted that they set personal records, despite the wind on part of the course.”
The Seneca7’s success depended heavily on its vast volunteer support network. Race co-director Jackie Augustine emphasized, “This race wouldn’t be what it is without all of our volunteers.” Augustine highlighted the 16 charity slots offered this year, with higher entry fees benefiting a dozen or so community nonprofits.
Municipalities across the region also played a crucial role, prepping roads, setting cones, and managing key intersections to ensure smooth passage for participants. “One of the reasons [the Seneca7] continues to be a destination race each year is how welcome our athletes feel from the people of this community,” Augustine said.
In the male category, CWC of Ithaca placed second at 7:41:53, while Henchen’s Harriers from Geneva secured third with a time of 8:30:35.
The female category was dominated by Cornell: Stick Shift from Caledonia, Michigan, finishing first at 8:44:02. Seven Women Wonders of the World from Trumansburg followed at 10:10:32, with Women of Oregon East of Hughesville, Pennsylvania, taking third at 10:22:44.
Rushville’s High Tor Silverbacks claimed victory in the mixed category, clocking 8:16:16. Mendham, New Jersey’s L.O.V.E.M.U.F.F.I.N. finished second with 8:30:53, while Hello Kitty AC of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, last year’s champions, rounded out third at 8:36:36.
Preliminary results are posted at Seneca7.com/results, though final standings await potential time penalties.
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