I originally planned to run the Wineglass full marathon in 2016, but had to defer my entry to 2017 and switch to the half marathon after finding out I was pregnant in summer 2016 :) I had heard many wonderful things about this race in various online running forums that I participate in, and so I'd been excited to participate in the event for a long time. It definitely didn't disappoint!

I typically choose races near the coast, as I'm a water/beach/ocean fanatic, so Wineglass - which is set in the mountains - was definitely a change of pace for me. Although race day weather was unusually cold (39 degrees at the start!) it was still a beautiful course with lots of crowd support. Corning is a quaint, fun little town to explore, and I honestly wish we'd planned a longer weekend so that we could truly explore the area. I traveled to the race with my husband and two kids (6 years and 6 months), and we spent some time at the Corning Museum of Glass and walking around the town Saturday afternoon. The museum is fun, although holding the expo there makes for a very tight, crowded experience trying to get in and out to get your race kit - other reviews that have mentioned how it's difficult to get in and out and how small the expo is are totally accurate.

The thing I loved most about this race, however, was the people. I have literally NEVER run a race with such a friendly bunch of people. Everyone was very kind, talkative, and genuinely interested in the other runners in the race - several people struck up conversations with me while we were waiting in various lines (for the bus, for the portapotties, for the race to start, etc.), and they were all just truly kind people. It really made for a race that had the feel of "we're all in this together", which I've never really felt organically at any other race I've run.

The course itself is not terribly difficult, despite being in the mountains. As someone who lives in a very flat region, I didn't find the Wineglass Half course to be too hilly - there are some rolling hills, but they are do-able, even for a flat-lander like me. Best of all, I set an unexpected PR at this race :)

So, long story short, I would highly recommend this race and hope I have the opportunity to go back and run it again someday. Other reviews of the swag, course, and expo that I've read have all been on point. If you'd like to read a more detailed review of the Wineglass Half, please feel free to visit my recap at https://momrunsforfun.com/2017/10/02/wineglass-half-marathon-race-review-and-recap/ .