Right to Run 10th Anniversary Weekend Brings Nationally Acclaimed Artist Tiffany Shlain and Expanded Lineup of Celebratory Events to Seneca Falls
Seneca Falls, NY — Women’s Right to Run 19K, Inc. proudly announces the 10th Annual Right to Run 5K & Weekend Celebration, taking place Friday, May 8 through Saturday, May 9, 2026, in the birthplace of the women’s rights movement. This milestone year blends movement, history, arts, wellness, and community spirit and features the highly anticipated arrival of award-winning artist, filmmaker, and author Tiffany Shlain.
Tiffany Shlain Headlines the 10th Anniversary Celebration: A centerpiece of the weekend is the presentation of Shlain’s nationally acclaimed traveling installation, Dendrofemonology: A Feminist History Tree Ring Sculpture. Created from a 100-year-old fallen tree, the sculpture traces a powerful feminist timeline carved into its rings honoring generations of women who have shaped progress.
On Friday, May 8th Shlain will deliver a keynote address at the Wesleyan Chapel sharing the inspiration behind the sculpture and its journey across the country as a gathering place for organizations and communities committed to women’s rights and equality. Her visit carries special meaning in Seneca Falls, where the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention ignited a global movement for change.
“Bringing my moveable monument sculpture Dendrofemonology: A Feminist History Tree Ring to Seneca Falls feels like completing a powerful circle,” shares Shlain. “This is the place where women first stood together to demand equality, and this sculpture carries their stories layered like tree rings into our present moment. I’m honored to share this work during the Right to Run’s 10th anniversary, a celebration that reminds us how far we’ve come and how much strength we gain when we move forward together.”
Right to Run 5K Race Details: The signature Right to Run 5K takes place on Saturday, May 9, inviting runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to take part in a race rooted in empowerment and history.
- Start Time: 9:00 AM
- Course: A scenic route through downtown Seneca Falls, highlighting iconic landmarks connected to the women’s rights movement
- Participant Experience: Commemorative 10th anniversary race shirts, finisher medals, and post-race vendors village
- Registration: Available now at righttorun.org
The 2026 celebration features a vibrant lineup designed to inspire, educate, and bring the community together:
- 1848 Block Party: featuring live music by Cool Club & The Lipker Sisters, local food, beer & wine.
- Restorative Wellness Session (Free, 18+): A gentle movement, meditation, and sound immersion experience to help participants unwind after race day.
- Book Reading & Signing: Featuring authors Lauren Schiller & Hadley Dynak, sharing from It’s a Good Day to Change the World, followed by Tiffany Shlain reading from and signing her celebrated book 24/6.
- Birthplace of Women’s Rights Walk Tour: Explore the historic landmarks that shaped the fight for equality in Seneca Falls.
- “25 in 250” Speaker Series: Dr. Norman Dann, esteemed historian and author, will share insights into Central New York’s reform legacy at the Seneca Falls Museum & Tourism Center.
- Community Shopping & Dining Specials: Local stores, cafés, and restaurants will offer weekend long promotions celebrating both Right to Run and Mother’s Day.
“This weekend celebration honors the power, resilience, and creativity of women past, present, and future,” said Daniele Bonafiglia, Race Director. “We’re excited to welcome runners, families, visitors, and community members for a weekend filled with inspiration, movement, and connection.”
The Right to Run Weekend Celebration is open to participants of all ages, and many activities are free to the public. Race registration, schedules, and updates are available at https://righttorun.org/
Media Contact:
Judy Wentzel
Board Member
Women’s Right to Run 19K, Inc.
righttorun@outlook.com