This race runs like clockwork. Expo was in the Corning Museum, it was small but had all the vendor you needed if you forgot something. Ran the 5K on Saturday … MORE
This race runs like clockwork. Expo was in the Corning Museum, it was small but had all the vendor you needed if you forgot something. Ran the 5K on Saturday and the Half on Sunday – Both were very well run. Plenty of parking near the buses and absolutely fun, energetic volunteers. They had plenty of busses to get everyone to the start and ample porta pots at the start line. The school was open to stay warm in before the race which was nice. The course was nice and pretty easy. The finish line and after party was awesome!!! COKE at the finish line, so awesome for a non-beer drinker!
All the food you could possibly need to re-fuel with. Selfie with finish line clock with your time on it was a great touch for people who PR’d or BQ’d. Would definitely run this one again. Race swag was a 1/4 zip long sleeved shirt .
Awesome Race
This race runs like clockwork. Expo was in the Corning Museum, it was small but had all the vendor you needed if you forgot something. Ran the 5K on Saturday … MORE
This race runs like clockwork. Expo was in the Corning Museum, it was small but had all the vendor you needed if you forgot something. Ran the 5K on Saturday and the Half on Sunday – Both were very well run. Plenty of parking near the buses and absolutely fun, energetic volunteers. They had plenty of busses to get everyone to the start and ample porta pots at the start line. The school was open to stay warm in before the race which was nice. The course was nice and pretty easy. The finish line and after party was awesome!!! COKE at the finish line, so awesome for a non-beer drinker!
All the food you could possibly need to re-fuel with. Selfie with finish line clock with your time on it was a great touch for people who PR’d or BQ’d. Would definitely run this one again. Race swag was a 1/4 zip long sleeved shirt .
small town, perfect course
Perfect race. Advantages - Flat and scenic coarse Very organized Unbelievable local crowd support Plenty of water stations Lots of brand swag to choose from Pre-race pasta dinner was good … MORE
Perfect race.
Advantages – Flat and scenic coarse
Very organized
Unbelievable local crowd support
Plenty of water stations
Lots of brand swag to choose from
Pre-race pasta dinner was good and great speakers
Post-race food – plenty and good
Great medal
School was available to get out of the cold for pre-race
Ample parking
Disadvantages – It’s hard to get to Corning NY
Not enough hotels near start line
Expensive all around
Wonderfully organized, course just OK
This was my third official marathon, fastest time, but least favorite course. I’ll start with the positives, because there were many wonderful things about this race! I was very impressed … MORE
This was my third official marathon, fastest time, but least favorite course.
I’ll start with the positives, because there were many wonderful things about this race! I was very impressed with how well-organized it was from registration to finish. Great communication, easy transportation, excellent swag and finish line food/amenities. Kudos to all the organizers and volunteers!
Now the course… it is fast, but long stretches are adjacent to the highway with nothing to look at and no crowd support. The first half had minimal cheering sections and the water stops were pretty far apart (2.5-3 miles, I think). The second half had more crowd support and water stops but still left much to be desired for scenery. (I will say, I live in Vermont so I am very spoiled with scenic runs – maybe others would not be as bothered by this course!)
Lastly, for those wanting to run this fast, I’d suggest training on a lot of continuous downhill if you can. My quads were not prepared and I really struggled at the end due to starting so fast. I wish I had taken the downhill more seriously – it looks gradual on the elevation map but it will destroy your quads!
One of the best run halfs!
This is one of the best halfs I have done, and I have done almost 60 of them! Excellent production, fantastic support along the route (seems like the whole town … MORE
This is one of the best halfs I have done, and I have done almost 60 of them! Excellent production, fantastic support along the route (seems like the whole town gets involved!), and great swag. Oh, and the scenery is gorgeous!! Very well organized from packet pickup to finish line. Kudos to the race director!
After race food was also a plus…pizza, soup, fruit, cookies, cheese, soda, sports drinks….some of the friendliest support people you will ever find at any race!
We did the Pinot Challenge (8k, 5K, and half), and got 3 medals. Shirt, jacket, small bottle of champagne, and a glass are included in race packets.
HIGHLY recommend this event!!!
Great First Half Marathon Experience
This was my first ever half and started my love for this distance. The race was well run, plenty of course support, flat course, great after party and the glass … MORE
This was my first ever half and started my love for this distance. The race was well run, plenty of course support, flat course, great after party and the glass medal is one of my favorites. I’d definitely do this race again.
My total race experience
It was misting. Otherwise, the race course had scenery that was so beautiful, and the medal is super cool. The race course was very will marked. the one thing that … MORE
It was misting. Otherwise, the race course had scenery that was so beautiful, and the medal is super cool. The race course was very will marked. the one thing that I would like to see improved is more community support during the middle and half way during the race. The community support at the finish line was incredable.
Wineglass is great!
Beautiful run in the finger lakes region with a point to point, rustic and downhill’ish course. Race is super well organize and the town of Corning is a great destination. … MORE
Beautiful run in the finger lakes region with a point to point, rustic and downhill’ish course. Race is super well organize and the town of Corning is a great destination. Nearby museum of glass is also a great spot to visit to take your mind off any jitters. Most restaurants offer runner specials the night before and great hotel options.
Beautiful area for a race
Well organized race. The Expo was at the Corning museum which was nice to take in. The staff and volunteers were wonderful. One downsize is being bussed to the start … MORE
Well organized race. The Expo was at the Corning museum which was nice to take in. The staff and volunteers were wonderful. One downsize is being bussed to the start and having to wait. Fortunately the school opened and let us wait in there because it was raining.
2021: Wineglass in the Rain
Hard to add to what's been shared over the years here. Great communication and organization. Smallish expo, but very cool that it's in the Corning Museum of Glass. Definitely worth … MORE
Hard to add to what’s been shared over the years here. Great communication and organization. Smallish expo, but very cool that it’s in the Corning Museum of Glass. Definitely worth a tour while you’re there. Very fortunate they have several warm maintenance buildings to gather in pre-race as 2021 had Rainy conditions for most of the day. Definitely a PR/BQ type of course if you’ve done the requisite training. Wonderful food options at the finish. Overall top notch Marathon. Would repeat it if not going after the 50.
Perfect 1st race
Flat course, green farms and trees, wonderful volunteers and residents, food and beverages at the finish, everything well organized… Couldn’t have asked for anything better for 1st race. The race … MORE
Flat course, green farms and trees, wonderful volunteers and residents, food and beverages at the finish, everything well organized… Couldn’t have asked for anything better for 1st race.
The race finishes in Corning’s quaint main st. Those interested can check out the glass museum. We had a fun family trip from NYC for the race, and will be back again.
Everything you hear
I run the full once and a half many times. In addition, I’ve also gone every year to support, friends and family. The course is fast and beautiful. Net downhill … MORE
I run the full once and a half many times. In addition, I’ve also gone every year to support, friends and family.
The course is fast and beautiful. Net downhill with only two or three Hills on the course that I can recall.
The buses are incredibly easy to take to the start of both the half and the full.
The expo is one of my absolute favorites. Well, the expo itself is not huge compared to some of the “big” races, it has a great selection. In addition it’s held at the glass museum, which is so much fun.
The handmade medals- while delicate- are beautiful.
The quaint town of Corning has lovely restaurants and shops.
My only two negatives are that the closest hotels jack up their rices so high it’s absurd and unfair to regular runners. I also wish there was more course support out there from crowds. It’s quiet yet the beauty makes up for it.
Definitely one to add to your list!
Small towns make the race.
Well organized mid sized marathon. Perfect weather, and tremendous support of volunteers. Local residents take great pride in this event. Finish line in Corning, NY was awesome. MORE
Well organized mid sized marathon. Perfect weather, and tremendous support of volunteers. Local residents take great pride in this event. Finish line in Corning, NY was awesome.
Nothing to WINE about here! AWESOME!
Great and well organized event that gives you everything from effortless transportation to the start line to tons of fuel, hydration and support on the course with just an overall … MORE
Great and well organized event that gives you everything from effortless transportation to the start line to tons of fuel, hydration and support on the course with just an overall great event from start to finish.
We stayed at the Radisson downtown and everything is just walking distance away and couldn’t be any easier to get around town, from beginning to end.
I will consider this race again for both half and full distances in the near and distant future.
Nice small town race
Really well run race. There are no hills , super flat. Plenty of water stops and fuel on the course. I definitely recommend running this if you have a chance! MORE
Really well run race. There are no hills , super flat. Plenty of water stops and fuel on the course. I definitely recommend running this if you have a chance!
Long race, very scenic, but boring
Dont get me wrong, I did enjoy the run, the issue is that there were stretches where it wasnt scenic (running next to the highway) and it felt like it … MORE
Dont get me wrong, I did enjoy the run, the issue is that there were stretches where it wasnt scenic (running next to the highway) and it felt like it dragged out. The start line was well organized and the finish was a good party, but around mile 12-17, there wasnt much to enjoy. Regardless, had a fun time, loved the medal made out of glass!
Beautiful Upstate NY run!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this race. First off, Corning is adorable and the entire finger lakes region is amazing. A must do trip (take a day and go to Ithaca too!!). … MORE
LOVE LOVE LOVE this race. First off, Corning is adorable and the entire finger lakes region is amazing. A must do trip (take a day and go to Ithaca too!!). The expo is so cute –its inside the Corning museum of glass! Book an appointment early for glass blowing if you want to try it! The expo was smaller but packed with good stops. The zip up you get for your race shirt is the best! Not some dinky thin shirt.
The course is beautiful and picturesque upstate NY. You run through small towns and past farm houses. The finish line area is great and a fun way to finish on the main drag. The medal is so unique (glass) and beautiful! Overall, this race is amazing and a must do for upstate NY.
A nice race weekend
flat course, pretty fast. Heard it was scenic. I wouldn't describe it that way...a lot of the run is beside a not so attractive railroad bed. The start was slow...waiting … MORE
flat course, pretty fast. Heard it was scenic. I wouldn’t describe it that way…a lot of the run is beside a not so attractive railroad bed. The start was slow…waiting outside in the cold for 35 minutes just to get to the start line. The town is nice however, and has charm. The glass museums are great and all in all it is a nice weekend.
A Great Day
This was my second year running the Wineglass Marathon and it didn't disappoint. I achieved all three of my goals. It rained, but the temperatures were perfect as a result. … MORE
This was my second year running the Wineglass Marathon and it didn’t disappoint. I achieved all three of my goals. It rained, but the temperatures were perfect as a result. I’m most definitely going to be back again in the future. Great organization, great course, great swag, just GREAT!
Great flat course!
If you stay in downtown Corning, logistics couldn't be any easier. Bus transport to start (for runners only). This makes it a very interesting way to begin a race. Course … MORE
If you stay in downtown Corning, logistics couldn’t be any easier. Bus transport to start (for runners only). This makes it a very interesting way to begin a race. Course is very flat, but not scenic. Great crowd support at the finish and excellent selection of post race food.
Great option for a first-timer!
Registration/packet pick-up: This race costs a little bit more than other half-marathons, but it is so worth it! I had friends who tried to register late in the spring and … MORE
Registration/packet pick-up: This race costs a little bit more than other half-marathons, but it is so worth it! I had friends who tried to register late in the spring and were put on a long wait list. Make sure you register early!
Packet pick-up was crowded, just like everything else that weekend. The Wineglass draws a large crowd in general; it’s just a part of the experience. We figured that out the night before the race when we went into town to eat dinner and there was a 2 hour wait at pretty much every restaurant.
Swag: I have run two half-marathons, two ten-milers, and several 5ks and 10ks. This race by far had the best swag I’ve seen so far. I wear the pullover performance jacket they gave us all the time. We also got a cute little stemless wine glass, a mini bottle of champagne, a drawstring bag, and a bunch of coupons to local restaurants.
Weather: The beginning of October in New York is the best time to race in my opinion. The race started out cold, around 30 degrees, but by the middle it was already in the 50’s. Sunny with a light breeze.
Location: Corning is a small village, surrounded by smaller rural towns. There is no direct route from where I live, so it involved a lot of winding, country roads. There also aren’t very many hotels in the area. We ended up booking a cabin through Air B&B. Again, it’s just a matter of planning ahead since so many thousands of runners attend this race.
Parking: I chose to park in Bath and take the shuttle. My family parked at the Glass Museum and walked to the finish line.
Aid/water stations: There were an adequate amount of stations at this race.
Course: Flat!!!! This course was pancake flat. Perfect for a first-time half marathoner like myself.
Scenery: This is a beautiful course, especially at this time of year. Fall foliage surrounds you, and you really get to soak in nature.
Pre and post-race: I wasn’t a huge fan of the pre-race organization. They squeezed all 3 or 4,000 of us into a high school to stay warm, but all the rooms were locked so we had to line the hallways packed very, very close together. I was a newbie so I had no idea if that was normal but after researching and participating in other races, I think it’s a little odd. Post-race, they handed out bananas, yogurt, pizza, and water.
Overall: I would recommend this race for someone who wants a flat, rural course with great crowd support. I felt that it was a great race for my first half marathon. The entire town came out to cheer us on, there were people holding signs and bells almost the entire way. They also offer pacers for various time goals, which I appreciated. Mine was very encouraging and peppy.