Wineglass Marathon

Wineglass Marathon

Wineglass Marathon

( 22 reviews )
100% of reviewers recommend this race
  • Corning,
    New York,
    United States
  • October
  • 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon
  • Road Race
  • Event Website

Meredith

Virginia Beach, Virginia, United States
20 33
2016
"Scenic, small, great swag!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
Meredith 's thoughts:

This was my first time running the Wineglass Half Marathon. In its sixth year, the event had all the kinks ironed out and was a wonderful experience. I didn't have the run I wanted but enjoyed the race and recommend checking it out if you're looking for a fall destination race. The historic area is surrounded by wineries and stunning vistas that present the perfect spot for a fall vacation. For more information on the Wineglass's location, check out New York's Finger Lake area but until then, here are the race details you need.

Expo/Packet Pick Up - Held at the Corning Museum of Glass, pick-up was crowded. There were long lines that moved quickly to get your bib and swag after you had to weave through a packed gift shop trying not to break any of the thousands of pieces of glass. It's a good chance to visit the Museum since you get 50% off admission with your bib. Because it was so crowded, I did not check out the vendors but there was a decent selection and chance to grab anything you forgot.

Overnight - There are lots of places to stay. Few are within walking distance of the point-to-point's finish. Runners are required to shuttle to start anyway so it's not a big deal. Along with the variety of sleeping options, there is a dining choice to satisfy everyone. From local brew pubs to Italian to nation chains, there's no shortage of food. I did not attend the official pre-race pasta dinner but there is one at the host hotel.

Weather - Rain threatened this year and things were a little humid by the time most people were finishing. Otherwise it was a typical cool fall morning with little wind. Temperatures hovered around 60 for the race's duration but warmed up significantly for the marathoners who started 30 minutes later and had twice as far to go.

Race Day Parking - Definitely park at the finish and walk to the shuttle or have someone drop you off and get back early to meet you. The town's parking restrictions are waived on race day but it doesn't create more spots. If you chose to park at the marathon start, shuttles run back most of the afternoon.

Start - After a 15 minute shuttle ride, last one at 6:30am, runners were left to themselves in a middle school gym for around an hour before the races 7:45 start. There were loads of Port-a-Potties outside with lines that were messy but moving. Gear check wasn't the best arrangement and I was surprised to have to wait in line for that as well. The race did go off smoothly exactly on time.

Course - The course if net downhill (40 feet) and has an overall elevation gain of about 150 feet. It's incredibly spacious and easy to take the tangents. You wind towards Corning from 13.1 miles away passing field, stunning mountain views, through parks and neighborhoods. It's a peaceful course that includes roads, a little dirt from some construction this year, and paved park path.

Course Support - The volunteers outnumbered runners by at least 2:1. They were cheerful, helpful and everywhere. Water stops were stocked with GU, water and Gatorade. Potties dotted the course at regular intervals. Traffic was well controlled and the course is very safe.

Finish - You finish with about 400M to go on Corning's main street. It's lined with cheering spectators and you can see the line from all the way out. Coming through you're fed water, sports drink, medals, heat sheets, bananas, pizza, bagels, muffins and chocolate milk. Luckily they stock bags so you aren't dropping things all over (LOVED this!).

Party Time - Post race there are complimentary massages, a wine down party, museums offering deals, free wine tastings and more to celebrate your race for the rest of the day.

Swag - The swag is amazing. A sturdy, high quality drawstring backpack is filled with local gift cards and coupons. A half zip tech shirt features the race's logo along with a petite Wineglass wine glass and half split of Wineglass emblazoned sparkling wine. Finisher medals are glass coasters and gorgeous.

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