A major women’s rights-themed race weekend in Seneca Falls is back on after federal officials approved a key permit that had been delayed, resolving uncertainty that threatened to cancel the event.
U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer announced Tuesday that the National Park Service approved the necessary permit in time for the 10th annual “Right to Run” 5K/19K weekend, scheduled for Mother’s Day.
Just days earlier, organizers had been told the permit could not be approved in time due to a new federal review process tied to an executive order, putting the multi-day event in jeopardy.
Schumer said he pushed federal officials to act quickly, calling the delay unnecessary bureaucracy that risked derailing a long-standing community event and economic driver for the region.
“Seneca Falls ‘Right to Run’ celebration is back on,” Schumer said, adding that the National Park Service moved to approve the permit after his intervention.
The event is centered around the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and includes races, a block party, live music, art installations, wellness programming and a keynote address at the historic Wesleyan Chapel.
Organizers said the uncertainty had created challenges in coordinating vendors, performers and participants, but the approval now allows the full weekend schedule to proceed as planned.
The celebration, now in its 10th year, draws hundreds of participants and visitors to Seneca Falls, highlighting the community’s role in the women’s rights movement while supporting local businesses and tourism.
With the permit secured, events will kick off Friday evening with activities at Declaration Park and along Mynderse Street, followed by a full weekend of programming tied to history, arts and athletics.
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