October 7, 2014
The Wineglass Marathon and Half Marathon is held in Corning, New York. The city of Corning is in the Finger Lakes Region of New York and home to beautiful fall foliage, the Corning Museum of Glass (yes the same Corning that makes your kitchenware), and close to several wineries. Below is a picture of Market Street – the finish line area for both races.
Every year my mom and I run (she walks) a half together. Between 2008-2010 we participated in the Baltimore Half Marathon. In 2012 we went on our first racecation together for the Miami Half Marathon, and the Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon in 2013.
Over the years I’ve heard only positive things about Wineglass weekend (they are usually included in those “best of” races in running and fitness publications, including Competitor and the Daily Burn). We signed up when registration opened up in December 2013 – I was so excited!
Ten months later we made the 5-6 hour drive north to the City of Corning (a quick and scenic drive).
Packet Pickup/Expo
This year packet pickup and the expo were held at the Corning Glass Museum (last year it was at a local YMCA). It was open on Friday and Saturday. There was also an option to pick up your bib at the starting line of your respective race (you would get your schwag later that day at the museum).
I took Friday and Monday off, so we went with the Friday option. After a nice lunch at Poppletown Bakery, we walked over the restored Centerway Bridge, which connects the north and south sides of the city.
How cool is this glass structure in the main hall?
There were plenty of signs pointing runners to the expo.
Of course… the walk towards the expo went through the gift shop (smart). Glass pumpkins anyone? You could also make your own!
We arrived around 2:00pm, which is “typically” not a busy time for expos. We were greeted with the nicest volunteers who directed us to the half marathon section.
We were given our bibs, a reflective spike bag with more goodies (including $10 gift certificates to two local businesses) , our technical tee, and a small bottle of champagne, and a wineglass (of course).
Runner’s schwagggg… one of the best.
After the expo my mom and I explored the museum before heading to a glassmaking class. We signed up for the glass flower class 3 weeks prior to race weekend. The special wineglass class was already sold out, but I saw pictures on social media and they looked okay.
If you decide to take a class next year, I suggest signing up early as most classes were sold out day of. Here is my mom making her flower with the gaffer (glassmaker).
My finished product!
Next up (Thursday): Wineries, a Half Marathon, and a PR!
Have you ever been to Corning, NY or the Finger Lakes region?
Have you ever been to a glass museum?