FAQ
Is the Wineglass Marathon an official qualifying race for the Boston Marathon? Yes! The Wineglass Marathon is a USATF certified course which qualifiies runners for races like Boston where a specific time is required. All individual runner results are sent to Boston immediately after the Wineglass to insure they have the information when you send in your application. Given the time of year for the Wineglass, qualifying times are eligible for the following two (2) Boston Marathons.
Roughly 25% of all runners at the Wineglass post qualifying times for Boston each year. Click on the following link to a Runner's World article from 2009 that lists the top 10 qualifying races (in terms of percentage of qualifiers relative to entries) for Boston runners from 2006 thru 2008.
What is the temperature? Typical weather for the Corning, NY area at the end of September and early October is cool and realtively dry. The average starting temperature for the Wineglass over the last 10 years has been at or slightly below 40F (~5C). In 2009, the race started with a temeprature of 38F under calm and slightly foggy conditions. By 11:00, it was partly sunny with a slight wind from the NNW and into the mid-50s (F). Specifically for October 3 (this year's race date) the all-time record low is reported at 25F while the record high is 83F.
How many runners are there? In 2009, there were approximately 900 individual marathoners )over 90% finished) and 200 3-person relay teams. This was a record in terms of overall participation at the Wineglass Marathon.
Does registration close? Registration for the Wineglass Marathon has never closed, and we do not plan on that for 2010. however, if overall registrations significantly exceed the totals from 2009, we may have to close accepting entries to insure runner safety and maintain adequate course management/control.
What if we can't get there till race morning? If you cannot make it into town until Sunday morning, Race Day, packet pick-up and race day registration will begin at 6:00am at Philips Lighting, 1 mile north of Bath on Rt. 54 (Geneva St.) This is the Start Line. Remember the Marathon and Team Relay start at 8:00am sharp!
What about buses to the Start Line? For race day bus instructions on bus see the Bus Section. Bus transportation to the Start Line from Corning, NY (Finish Line) is free to all runners!
Is there some way to get my warm-up gear to me at the finish? All runner's gear and clothing will be brought to the FINISH LINE area for pick-up after the race. A truck will be marked at the START LINE area (Philips' Parking Lot) for deposit of your gear prior to the start. 
Can I accompany a runner along the course? We do allow bicycles along this point-to-point course which travels some city streets and back roads between Bath and Corning, NY. Accompanying with a motorized vehicle is not allowed. There are a number of very accessible and convenient locations along the course from which to observe and/or support your runner. Please see the course map. Additional information about these locations will be available at the Expo or can be obtained by contacting the race director.
Is there a time limit for completing the marathon? Yes, the course closes after 6 hours. We will maintain timing up to about 6 1/2 hours for those within "striking distance" of the Finish Line at the 6 hour time limit. If you think you will not be able to complete the course in under six hours, please contact the race director to determine if an earlier start can be arranged. Of course, if you start earlier you will not be eligible for any prizes or age group awards. Also, with an early start some of the first intersections may not be controlled and some of the earlier water stations may not be setup and operating so you will need to use extra care and carry your own drink.
What is the nearest Airport? The Elmira-Corning Regional Airport (ELM) is ten minutes from downtown Corning with US Airways and Northwest Airlink airlines. The next nearest major airports are Rochester, NY (ROC) or Syracuse (SYR) which are each about 90 miles from Corning.
What if I register early and cannot run due to injury or another unforeseen circumstance? The Wineglass Marathon cannot provide any refunds, but does allow for entry deferrment until the following year if notified at least 1 week ahead of the race that you will not be able to participate.
