CORNING— The Wineglass Marathon is proud to announce a record field for the 33rd annual race.
This year, Wineglass Weekend welcomes nearly 6,000 runners to the Corning area for the largest fieldof competitors to date. 2,500 runners have registered for the full marathon to enjoy a flat, scenic course that begins in Bath and ends on Corning's Historic Market Street. 3,000 runners have registered for the wildly popular 4th annual Wineglass Half Marathon with another 800 expected for the the 3rd annual Wineglass 5K, a family favorite.
Runners in this record field come from 43 states as well as seven other countries - Canada, Mexico, China, Australia, Ecuador, United Kingdom and Bulgaria.
"The growing popularity of the Wineglass is evident in the growing international appeal of the race," according to Sheila Sutton, co-race director.
"It is a testament to the beauty of the course and the hard work of our countless volunteers that make the marathon such a success. "
A picturesque and downhill course, runner friendly atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make the Wineglass Marathon one of the country's most popular destination races. In 2014, Competitor Running named the Wineglass Half one of "25 Half Marathons Worth Running" while Livestrong.com put the Wineglass Full Marathon at #3 on the 16 World's Best Marathons.
In addition to the record number of runners this year, an estimated 75% of all half marathon competitors and 60% of all full marathon competitors are female, making the 33rd annual Wineglass Marathon the highest percentage of women in a major co-ed marathon in the country.
Despite boasting such accolades and enjoying an international reputation, Wineglass Weekend continues to be a favorite community event for runners and guests alike. While cheering on family and friends, guests are encouraged to keep a special eye on local runners expected to compete at the highest level.
Local runners to watch in the full marathon include Bryan Morseman of Addison, the 2011 men's champion, and Morgan Burrows of Corning. Burrows was the 2013 women's champion in her very first marathon. "Not only is the Wineglass my home course," said Morgan Burrows, "but it happens at the perfect time of year for moderate temperatures. Last year was warm and humid and other years have been cold and rainy, so I'm banking on this year being just right!"
Half marathoners expected to be running in the front of the pack will be Master's and Veteran's recordholder, John Weiner of Osceola, PA, Katie O'Regan of Binghamton and Ashley Nevol of Andover. For Nevol whose first full marathon was the 2012 Wineglass, running the Wineglass Half will be a sentimental journey.
"In 2012, my now-husband proposed to me at the finish line. The Wineglass will always have special significance for me!"
Both races start Sunday morning, October 5th with the Half start time of 7:45AM in Campbell and the Full start at 8:15AM in Bath. The finish line at Centerway Square on Corning's Market Street is a perfect spectator venue and four viewing areas along the course give vantage points along the route.
To find more information, please visit www.wineglassmarathon.com or like the race on Facebook.