Wineglass Acquires Great New Local Leadership

The torch has been passed into able hands.

Corning Hospital/Founders Pavilion and Guthrie Healthcare System will collaborate to assume the leadership responsibilities of the Wineglass Marathon and Three-Person Relay, the corporate communications office of the Guthrie Healthcare System recently announced.

Our hometown marathon, which celebrates its 20th anniversary on Oct. 7, has received rave reviews for its beauty, runner-friendly course and top-notch organization from "The Ultimate Guide to Marathons," and the quarterly magazine "Marathon & Beyond". "Runner's World" magazinealso has given continued support to the race by ranking it among the top 10 must-dos. The 26.2-mile event begins in Bath and finishes at the Corning, Inc. headquarters, in downtown Corning.

"The Wineglass Marathon is managed by a group of volunteers who give up many hours of their time to make sure that it is a premier event," said Tim Dentry, President/CEO of Corning Hospital/Founders Pavilion. "We knew that the current directors of the race were looking for some help with managing the project, and we're very pleased to have this opportunity to become more involved. This is a well-respected event, and its very nature represents the sort of health and wellness focus that Corning Hospital is developing at HealthWorks, the new fitness and wellness center currently under construction in Erwin."

When former co-directors Bill Taylor of Horseheads and Tom Knapp of Corning, announced their retirement just before last year's race, they requested that someone or some group step up and take responsibility for the Twin Tiers national-class marathon. The show will go on because that call for help was answered by two powerhouses in health care and medical services.

"Tom and I are very excited with the added help, support and leadership that Corning Hospital and Guthrie will bring to the marathon," said Taylor, president of the Wineglass Running Club. "This type of corporate support will insure the continuation of the marathon, and allow us the time we'd like to concentrate on specific areas of the race. In fact, I'm even hoping to have time to train for and race in this year's marathon myself!"

Under this new arrangement, the Wineglass Marathon directorship duties will be shared by certified athletic trainers, Jackie McAtee and Scott Fiscus, who work in Guthrie's Sports Medicine Program.

"We're very excited about being a part of such a popular event," said Dr. Donald Phykitt, Medical Director of Guthrie Sports Medicine. "I've staffed the medical tent at this race, and have been impressed with the unanimous positive feedback from participants."

Taylor and Knapp, and volunteers from the Wineglass Running Club, will continue to assist the new race directors. Taylor will serve as marketing director; Knapp will resume his role as course director.

"They are keeping everything pretty much the same, and improving on the things they can see that need to be done," said Taylor. "This year will be a challenge in one respect because both the Chicago Marathon and Steamtown (Scranton) will be on the same date as our marathon."

Online registration will be used again at Wineglass, and you can do that -- or find updated race information now -- by clicking on the official Web site: http://www.wineglassmarathon.com

You can deduct $5 from your race fees if you register online, and the relay team registration fees also have been cut by $5 per person.

The ChampionChip timing device will be used again this year, and if you already own a chip, deduct another $2.

Also in the works for 2001: a change in the expo venue; Clydesdale weight divisions for those of us who are getting slower --and heavier; and an increased prize purse for overall open and masters winners.

Taylor also researched a short list of possible guest celebrities, including Cortland State's Jack Daniels. The world-renowned exercise physiologist/researcher, coach, author and former Olympian was unavailable due to coaching commitments.

But Runner's World has often supported Wineglass by sending in-house celebrities such as executive editor Amby Burfoot, and contributing writers John "The Penguin" Bingham and Hal Higdon. One more guest is on his way to Wineglass 2001: Joe Henderson. (See companion story for Henderson interview.)

If you have any ideas on how you'd like to see the 20th anniversary edition of Wineglass celebrated, e-mail Taylor at billtay@aol.com, or WineglassRace@aol.com.

-- Diane Sherrer