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Wineglass Marathon Reviews
Wineglass Marathon
4.9 Stars from
43 Runners
Loved this Race
By DB about 2024
Review
I have only good things to say about this race. This was my 8th Marathon and my second favourite next to New York.
It was very well organized. The expo was small but in a great location in the glass museum with plenty of race swag for sale. Loved the jacket. The morning of the race was well organized, very efficient transportation to the start. There were plenty of porta potties and a heated barn was available to warm up in.
The race was mostly a very gentle downhill with a few uphill portions. It was a warm sunny day by the end but low humidity so I was fine as I was able to manage my hydration very well. That being said, I did bring my own electrolytes as the number of stations are not on par with a major race. The support was good, especially at the start in Bath and near the finish.
The town of Corning is beautiful and the Main Street was a perfect spot to finish. There are plenty of great restaurants and brew pubs downtown.
The best part of the race is that I was able to BQ for 2026 as a 70 year old with an 11 minute buffer.
We stayed in Pointed Post. The roads close down early so if accompanied by any spectators , make sure they are able to get out in time to get to Corning.
5 /
5 Stars
BQ 2019
By dp about 2019
Review
This was my 2nd time to run this marathon. I had a PR each time. I would recommend to all.
Book your hotel early and enjoy your visit to the Finger Lakes.
5 /
5 Stars
So much love for this race
By Mary about 2018
Review
At first, I had real doubts and concerns about this marathon - having to bus to the start and it's a very rural course. Let me tell you, my doubts were all erased, and this race was easily one of my most favorite running/race experiences ever. The bus to the start: yes, sounds awful, but there are more than enough porta-potties at the start, plenty of covered space to keep toasty and there were so many volunteers at the bag drop, that I kept my items until maybe three minutes before the race started. A great kick off. As for the rural course, yes, it is, but the towns along the route are really, really proud of their involvement, and people come out in crowds to support. Most (all?) of the water stops were run by local organizations, and you could tell that this event is just really important to them. I didn't for once feel bored or that I was "out there". It's a smaller race, but I was near others the whole time. Everyone running was so cheery too - very encouraging to each other, cracking jokes etc. I cannot rave enough about this. The finish - Corning is the sweetest, cutest town, now, don't expect a post race party - there might have been one at the Glass Museum but I don't remember now... (don't get me wrong though - there's PLENTY of food and non-boozy beverages right at the finish) but the town really comes out to throw their own celebration of sorts. There are a ton of restaurants/bars that are all open and so welcoming, and really well staffed. We walked into one bar/restaurant and got seated right away, and again not that this is the race organizer's doing, but it was just great service, great people and I didn't miss a post-race beer tent at all. Really, I think it would detract from the charm of the race. Cannot say enough about this race, a true, true gem.
Race Tips
Take the earlier buses to the start, to guarantee a chair inside the tent/highway dept. at the start (there's plenty of space to stand/sit on the ground though, if you don't make it!)
Regardless if you're running the full or half, stay in Corning. I think the bus ride from Corning to the start is maybe 25 -35 mins (as opposed to 10 or 15 from Bath), but it's worth it.
5 /
5 Stars
PRs for both of us
By dp about 2018
Review
My wife and I ran the marathon in 2018 and we both had our best outing. We were both shooting for a sub 4 hr having come close in previous races. We both finished 7-8 mins under that mark. Race day was cold and wet but we both really enjoyed the course as our training had been in the hottest part of the South Texas summer. We often finished our long training runs in heat near triple digits. I liked the fact that the course is point to point. i found that previous marathons would show distances of 22.5 - 22.7 on my garmin watch because of all the turns. i wanted to run a point to point and trim some of that time. my watch showed 26.33 for Wineglass. We loved the finger lakes region and are planning a return trip for 2019. I would recommend this course to anyone whether you have never run a full or you have done 10+.
Race Tips
I used a pacer for the first time and he did a really good job (3:55). i left the pace group around mile 24 and finished 2-3 minutes ahead of my pacer. I was really happy with my pace group.
We stayed at staybridge suites, a short walk from downtown. It was fine. We knew to avoid cones in first part of course as we had read the reviews. Maybe they will open more of the road next time. As long as you pay attention, you will be OK. The support was great.
5 /
5 Stars
Big race in a tiny town
By D.B. 33F about 2018
Review
The Good: downtown Corning is such a cool town! September is usually a nice climate for running in NY
The Bad: NOT scenic like everyone says... it is 26 mi alongside the highway. And training... you will be doing your longest long runs in the peak of summer heat!
Race Tips
Straight course, crowded at times. Start farther to the front of the pack than usual because people tend to go faster here. If you don't, you will get slowed down by the runners in tutus taking selfies.
There is only one hotel right in town and the best one to get into. The Raddison is where the buses lineup on race morning and it's a very very short walk from the finish line.
5 /
5 Stars
Logistical issues
By KB about 2017
Review
Packet pickup is at Corning Glass, which sounds cool, but the space is pretty tight. Good assortment of vendors, and nice race swag.
The course is pretty easy, and includes only one hill of any consequence. The only problem happens during the first 5 miles. The amount of road space given to runners is way too small. There are cones (and traffic) on one side and culverts on the other side. I saw many runners fall, with one guy needing medical attention. Organizers either need to open up the entire road, or reduce the field.
The finish area was really well done. Lots of music, drinks and food.
I can't recommend Wineglass
Race Tips
The course is just about flat. Almost no crowd other than aid station and family viewing spots.
Well run. An excellant course with lots of scenic views of a picturesque landscape in the fingerlakes region of upstate new york. Huge community involvement.
5 /
5 Stars
By Marie-Alaina Murdza about 2016
Review
Everything from the expo to the spectators to the volunteers to the swag to the landscape/scenery to the route to the EVERYTHING!! I can't say enough about how amazing this experience was for me. It was only my third but my favorite even over the dozens of half's I've done. I can't wait to to it again.
Race Tips
Expo is small but has great merchandise. Don't miss it. Stay an extra day & hit the wineries on Monday. It was so perfect.
We are at Sorge's restaurant in Corning & Union Block Italian Bistro in Hammondsport. Both places were phenomenal. We also visited the Gorge on Monday (yes...hiked it the day after a marathon) then visited the wineries in Seneca Lake. PERFECT. ALL OF IT.
5 /
5 Stars
By Marie-Alaina Murdza about 2016
Review
Everything from the expo to the spectators to the volunteers to the swag to the landscape/scenery to the route to the EVERYTHING!! I can't say enough about how amazing this experience was for me. It was only my third but my favorite even over the dozens of half's I've done. I can't wait to to it again.
Race Tips
Expo is small but has great merchandise. Don't miss it. Stay an extra day & hit the wineries on Monday. It was so perfect.
We are at Sorge's restaurant in Corning & Union Block Italian Bistro in Hammondsport. Both places were phenomenal. We also visited the Gorge on Monday (yes...hiked it the day after a marathon) then visited the wineries in Seneca Lake. PERFECT. ALL OF IT.
5 /
5 Stars
By DAL about 2016
Review
Everyone in the town makes you feel like you are family and that they really want you to be there!
Race Tips
Enter early and make your room reservations even earlier!
Start of Marathon has a tent to stay in out of the weather before the start! Bring a headlamp or throw away flashlight for use in the port-a-john prior to the start, it is dark.
5 /
5 Stars
By Mark about 2016
Review
Easy logistics, well organized, good size but not too large, supportive communities and great volunteers.
5 /
5 Stars
By Anonymous about 2016
Review
The course is very flat, and it's very well organized. Pre-race, during race, and post race all have the best volunteers I've seen by far.
Race Tips
Running with a pacer is easier because of it's flat terrain
5 /
5 Stars
By Anonymous about 2016
Review
Very well organized, lovely scenery, flat/fast course, Boston Qualifier.
5 /
5 Stars
By Anonymous about 2016
Review
Beautiful scenery, a fast course, inspiring support from the local community, exciting extra-curricular activities (like wine tasting, craft beer, stunning museums, a chance to blow glass...), and great swag make this a race not to be missed.
5 /
5 Stars
By PS about 2016
Review
Well supported course. Gradual descent, no hills of consequence, awesome downtown Corning finish.
Race Tips
Great course for negative splits.
5 /
5 Stars
By GN about 2016
Review
The town, race, hotels, workers are all top notch!. Beautiful view during the run. Plenty of aid stations during the run. I liked staying at the finish. We stayed at the Staybridge Suites easy walk to buses and back to hotel. Next door to the expo. Expo was a little small but nice.
Race Tips
Buses ran nonstop. Never had to wait. They had a nice warming tent to wait in.
Race Joy is a must, but make sure you have a strong battery life. It worked great with my phone, but died on my girlfriends phone. I lost her at 20 miles..
Arrive early to enjoy the expo and a little walk through town. No need to worry about where to eat. WE loved all the restaurants in town.
5 /
5 Stars
Fantastic smaller marathon
By Heather H about 2015
Review
Wineglass is a fantastic smaller marathon. You can tell that there’s impeccable attention to detail, from the course support and organization to packet pick-up, race day logistics and more. The volunteers are the friendliest and most helpful of any race I’ve ever done. The swag is above and beyond, and the unique glass finishers medal is truly a treasure. Wineglass is truly a marathon for the people.
Race Tips
It's a net downhill course, so don't go out too fast! Enjoy the scenery of the little towns you run through.
Well organized, beautiful course, great finish line , awesome food. I have ran it 5 times there is absolutely nothing bad to say about this marathon
5 /
5 Stars
By Megan about 2015
Review
Flat and fast course. This is the most organized half marathon I've ever run. Beautiful area, I have run it twice and am signed up for my third this year. Perfect if you're looking to qualify for Boston or any of the bigger races.
Stay in Bath at any of those hotels, rather than Corning. The busses run to and from Bath all day
5 /
5 Stars
By di about 2015
Review
Great fan support, extremely well run, one of the best finishing medals
Race Tips
if a chilly morning there is not a lot of inside waiting room to keep warm (full only- half has plenty). Nice scenic course in peak follage. Two hills but nothing major.
Raidson in Corning. Great places to eat all within walking distance. Plus very close to the buses to take you to start and very close to the finish line.
5 /
5 Stars
By JB about 2015
Review
Amazing community support and the volunteers truly enjoy being part of the event and helping the runners any way they can. Be sure to give yourself a few extra days either before or after the marathon to explore the region, a whole day alone can be spent in Corning at the museums and enjoying the historic downtown.
Race Tips
Be sure to arrive early for the buses in Corning or Bath. It is the only way to get to the start line in Bath and the last buses get really full.
Be sure to check the local CVB's website to see what packages are out there for the Wineglass Marathon. The Radisson is only two blocks from the finish line, but be sure to reserve a room early as they sell out fast.
5 /
5 Stars
By BMC about 2014
Review
I've done the wineglass twice so far and it's wonderful. Most of the run is on nice scenic roads through small towns. The aid stations are always well staffed and supplied even when the last few runners come through. My only complaint is that the only way to the start line is by bus and there are no spectators allowed at the start.
Race Tips
Be prepared to get to the buses early because the lines get long fast.
5 /
5 Stars
By JCB about 2014
Review
Beautiful course! Super organized! friendly spectators! Nothing but love for this marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
By lk about 2014
Review
Beautiful scenery, very well organized, post race refreshments are the best. an overall amazing experience.
Race Tips
Get to the bus pick up early on Market St. The bus pickup was very organized but the lines were very long. Wear extra clothes its quite a wait to the start time in bath. Its cold.
I live in corning so I would suggest any restaurant on Market St. Not sure about parking as I walk to the bus pickup.
5 /
5 Stars
By NSS about 2014
Review
This event is well-organized, with wonderful volunteers at bib pick up and on the course. My 2nd favorite 1/2 Marathon!
Race Tips
Fairly fast, flat course. Have friends from NYC running this year. Taking busses from finish line to start line is the best, so you can park at the finish in Corning. Fall foliage is the beautiful!!
Local hotels fill up quickly, but there are many others within a 10-15 mile radius around Corning area. Great restaurants on Market St (Corning) for meals. Park in Corning, take bus to Bath/Campbell for the start.
5 /
5 Stars
By TNP about 2014
Review
Very well organized, beautiful course that is mostly flat and fast. Give guests ideas of the best cheering locations for family and friends who are running.
5 /
5 Stars
By Tom about 2014
5 /
5 Stars
By sg about 2014
Review
Hands down. The best. The atmosphere, the people, the swag, the hospitality. The beautiful surroundings....there's nothing negative I CAN say!!!
5 /
5 Stars
By BARBARA RIHANI about 2014
Review
Course support was awesome
People stayed and cheered for the very last runners of which I was a member The scenery of the mountains spectacular The medal shirt and wine glass were all beautiful Downhill course a pleasure.
Race Tips
Find the miles where hills are. Most of course downhill. Garbage bag for start. Cold mountain air. Leave super early to get a seat at the start.
It fills up fast so book your hotel fast nice areas we stay within the 15 mile radius we stayed in Horseheads still very nice.get there 15 minutes before the first bus leaves they fill up fast.
5 /
5 Stars
By DWM about 2014
Review
Plenty of well staffed water/sports drink support. Good transportation to start. Plenty of good food at finish, pizza and chicken soup. Large art glass finisher awards.
Wineglass is a well directed race. The expo was nice with all the Wineglass theme gear one could ever want. Asics was the main brand. The actual marathon long sleeve race shirt is BRIGHT orange. Not a fan of this choice.
Race Tips
The course has a few rolling hills during the first half and is pretty much a gradual downhill the second half. Prepare your quads!! There are very little turns in this race as well. Are BQ's and PR's practical during this race? Sure... under normal weather conditions. This day was unseasonally hot. About 20-25 degrees warmer than average. Unfortunately, for this race, many may not look at Wineglass 2014 as a BQ marathon due to their "fast" stats being lower for 2013. I hope that won't be the case. Next year, if the weather is more normal, this race will be back to its normal production of BQ'ers.
We stayed in Bath, where the marathon starts. It was very easy navigation to the start line from Kueka Lakeside Inn. This inn was perfect. I wasted no time wading in the lake post marathon to sooth my sore muscles. (But again, it was 80 degrees! So the lake was a realistic option.)
