Wineglass Marathon returns to Southern Tier this weekend. Here's what you need to know

For the 41st year, thousands of runners from across the United States and abroad will descend on the Finger Lakes Region to take part in one of New York state's premier running events — the Wineglass Marathon.

The COVID-19 pandemic turned the 2020 Wineglass into a virtual event, allowing runners the entire month of October to walk or run the races.

The marathon returned to its normal format last year.

The Wineglass Marathon provides a major economic boost to the region and is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Here are some things to know if you plan to attend.

When are Wineglass Marathon start times?

The weekend starts Sept. 30 with the Wineglass Expo and bib pickup, along with the Storflex 5K registration and bib pickup at the Corning Museum of Glass.

Saturday, Oct. 1, the Storflex 5K will get underway at 8 a.m. Bib pickup for preregistered runners will take place from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m. at the Corning War Memorial Stadium. The Wineglass Expo will continue from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Corning Museum of Glass.

Sunday, Oct. 2, is the main event, with the half marathon starting at 7:45 a.m. in Campbell, and the full marathon launching at 8:15 a.m. from Bath, with both races ending in Corning. The half marathon awards ceremony will take place at about 9:30 a.m. and the full marathon awards ceremony will be held around 10:30 a.m., both at the Centerway Square stage.

What is the marathon route?

The full marathon will start at Mt. Washington Road in the Village of Bath and follow state Route 54 through the village before moving onto state Route 415.

Runners will follow Route 15 into Painted Post and the race route then follows several village and city streets until it reaches downtown Corning.

Half marathon runners will pick up the course in Campbell. Both races will finish on Market Street in Corning.

Click here to view a detailed map of the race routes.

Who are this year's special guests?

This year, the marathon weekend will feature special guests Deena Kastor, a three-time Olympian, and running icon Bart Yasso.

Kastor is an Olympic bronze medalist who has represented the USA on 19 national teams since she launched her running career in 1997. Over that time, she has has held American records in every distance, from the 5K to the marathon.

Yasso is the now-retired Chief Running Officer for Runner's World Magazine. He has a long affiliation with the Wineglass Marathon and will call out runner's names as they cross the finish line.

How many people will participate in the 2022 Wineglass Marathon?

The Wineglass Marathon and its associated events attract more than 6,500 runners from 48 states and 15 foreign countries.

That includes about 2,000 registrants for the full marathon and 2,500 runners in the half marathon.

That's a big difference from the inaugural event in 1982, when 250 participants strapped on their running shoes to compete.

There are also about 2,000 volunteers, who handle everything from finish line setup and teardown to directing runners to handing out bottled water to participants.

Race officials estimate the influx of marathon runners and their families has at least a $6 million impact on the regional economy.

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Who sponsors the Wineglass Marathon?

Guthrie is the title sponsor for the full marathon and Wegmans is the title sponsor for the half marathon.

Other major sponsors of the weekend include Storflex, Corning Inc., the Corning Museum of Glass, Finger Lakes Wine Country, WENY-TV, and the Radisson Hotel Corning, among others.

Where can you park for the 2022 Wineglass Marathon?

In Corning, free parking will be available in the Centerway Parking Garage, 2 E. Tioga Ave., and nearby city surface lots. Market Street is closed for parking. Cars parked on Market Street will be towed.

In Bath, free parking will be available in surface lots around the Steuben County Office Buildings at 3 E. Pulteney Square. Motorists can follow signage and Lions Club volunteers can direct them to available lots. Cars parked in private business lots with 'No Parking' signs will be towed.

What street restrictions will there be for the Wineglass Marathon?

Motorists will need to pay close attention and be aware that many streets and roads along the marathon course will be closed or experience delays at various times over the weekend.

In Bath, streets that will be closed for portions of the event include segments of state Route 54, county Route 113, Rumsey Street Extension and East Morris Street.

In the City of Corning, multiple streets will be closed Sunday, including portions of Tioga Avenue, Market Street, Walnut Street, West William Street, Bridge Street, Cedar Street, Riverside Drive and Buffalo Street, among others.

Race organizers encourage all motorists who will be traveling between Bath and Corning on Sunday morning to use Interstate 86 and avoid state Route 415.

For more information about the Wineglass Marathon weekend, call 607-654-7601, or go to wineglassmarathon.com.

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