WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (WENY) -- It was a windy Sunday around Seneca Lake, but that didn't stop thousands of people from participating in the Seneca7 relay race. Clute Park in Watkins Glen was the halfway point of the race. It was one of the 21 exchange points along the 77.7-mile-long course.

Organizers say over 300 teams of seven competed in this year's race.

"It's going really well, actually, it's really windy," said runner Allison Roblyer. "But, I'm running a different leg than I have done in the past. So it's really fun to do something different."

This year's day-long event had an added environmental factor: the wind. But many say that's part of the race. Participants said they would run in any weather, including rain, snow, or shine.

"Yeah, no, this is crazy," said runner Jeff Chester. "I was actually out on a bike in the area yesterday, and it was insane. And, so tailwind coming to this point, and now up the hill and into the wind. Yeah, I'll take snow or rain instead."

Since the race started in 2011, organizers say they have raised thousands of dollars for local not-for-profits. They said this year, money will be going to sixteen different organizations. It's a race that brings people from all across the country together for a good cause and good fun.

"It's just having fun in the van with your team," Roblyer said. "I mean, you're, we want to do our best, and we, you know, run our best, but we're having a good time and just hanging out."

Whether teams place or get their best times, runners said the race is all about team bonding.

"Oh my goodness. It's such a great, great team-building event," said Chester. "Right, that's how it started. You know, you pack yourself in a car with six or other friends and, you know, there's nothing else like it."

The race started in Geneva around 5:45 A.M. Each member of the team ran three legs of the race, totaling 77.7 miles once they reached the finish line in Geneva.