What's more exhilarating than running a race alongside several thousand people – or even watching from the sidelines? Doing it all with the beautiful backdrop of fall in Corning & the Finger Lakes, of course!

This year's 30th Annual Wineglass Marathon is bigger and (dare I say it) better than ever! Voted "Speediest Race" by Runner's World Magazine, the Wineglass Marathon has 1900 marathoners in the full race from Bath to Corning, and has 1140 runners in its inaugural half-marathon from Campbell to Corning. Participants are coming from 46 states and 5 countries. While it's true that the race is what draws people to the area, once you get here, you'll discover there's so much more to Wineglass weekend than Sunday morning!

"This has really been a team effort by the community to make the Wineglass Marathon the best event it could be this year," said Sheila Sutton, assistant race director. "I think the runners will be happy."

The weekend kicks off Thursday, September 29, when keynote speaker Dick Beardsley addresses a local audience and registered participants in this year's Wineglass Marathon. Beardsley is an international running icon and National Distance Running Hall of Fame member. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Corning-Painted Post East High School Auditorium, 201 Cantigny Street in Corning.

Beardsley has participated in the Wineglass Marathon twice before, and will run in the half marathon this year. "I have always loved small towns....but Corning is certainly special," said Beardsley. Runners who are unable to make the Thursday evening speech will be able to meet Beardsley at other times during the weekend.

The Corning Family YMCA (127 Center Way) will be hosting the EXPO for runners Friday from 4-9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. In addition to picking up your race packets, there will be tables with information about the local area, as well as vendors, providing a great opportunity to shop. Spectators, make sure to check out the course map to plan the best place to view the race!

On Saturday afternoon, head over to Centerway Square for a special performance by Rochester band Trilogy from 3-6 p.m. With music spanning from the 70s to today, the classic rock band is sure to please anyone who enjoys music.

Runners will need to load up on carbs Saturday night, which is why restaurants from Bath to Corning to Elmira will be offering all kinds of pasta specials. Find everything from a pizza pasta special to all-you-can-eat pasta buffets to grand pasta-based dishes all over Corning's Gaffer District and beyond. For a full list of restaurants and specials, visit WineglassPasta.com.

In honor of the 30th anniversary of the Wineglass Marathon, participating restaurants and businesses will be generously donating a portion of their profits to The Fund for Women in support of women's health initiatives. On this 30th anniversary, over 58 percent of Wineglass registrants are women.

Rise and shine early Sunday morning! Both races will begin at 8 a.m. and runners will have 6.5 hours to complete the course.

Every runner who completes the course will receive one of the signature glass medals, made by Rodi Rovner at Hands-On Glass Studio in Corning. The unique glass medallions have gained some national attention, earning the No. 16 spot in the Top 25 medals of 2010 on 26point2medals.com.

"It has been my privilege to produce the Finisher's Medallions for the Wineglass Marathon for the past, almost 20 years," said Rodi. "Learning how much the runners appreciate and look forward to receiving them has made it even more rewarding." With a team of people from beginners to experienced glassworkers, Rodi said she feels they are running their own race to get them made. "The goal for the image design of this year's medallion was to express the exuberant feeling of crossing the finish line."

Rodi is excited to offer runners the opportunity to come to her studio to make glass and experience firsthand the method her team uses to make the medallions. Those interested can call the studio at 607.962.3044 to sign up for time slots, available throughout race weekend.

After runners cross the finish line and receive their finishing medallions, they can head over to the celebration in Riverfront Centennial Park, where chocolate milk from the American Dairy Association, chicken soup from Wegmans, and Rico's pizza will be provided. Many Market Street businesses will be staying open beyond their normal hours and offering special deals Sunday.

Runners, your number isn't just good for the race! Many businesses and attractions are offering discounts when you "show your bib." Receive everything from a free chocolate truffle at Connors Mercantile on Market Street to reduced admission at The Corning Museum of Glass and free admission at the Rockwell Museum of Western Art, including a complimentary copy of the 160-page Museum catalogue, valued at $24.95. Even get 20% off when you paint your own wine glass at Earth, Paint & Fire! For a complete list of bib discounts, visit CorningFingerLakes.com.

While you're here, take a picture and enter it in our "Feels Like Home" photo contest!

As you can see, there's so much more to Wineglass weekend than the Sunday morning races. While you come here to run, you can be sure you'll leave with an experience. Best of luck to all the runners on race day from your friends in Corning & the Finger Lakes!