The Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc takes place every September just north of Bordeaux in Gironde.
Participants enjoy a route through local Médoc vineyards, with wine and food tastings punctuating the gruelling distance.
The unlikely pairing of booze and endurance racing has earned it an international reputation – organisers claim it is the second most well known marathon in France behind the Paris one.
“It is known to be very friendly and many, many people want to run it just for the atmosphere, for the fun, for the scenery, which is just fantastic when you are passing by 50 different wine estates, and for the tastings,” said Vincent Fabre, president of the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc (AMCM).
The 38th edition of the race is scheduled to take place on Saturday September 7, 2024 and is limited to 8,500 runners.
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'Moderate doses'
Participants can expect a very demanding 42km course that starts and finishes at Pauillac and consists of 24% gravel paths, 60% dust tracks and 3% hills, making the terrain extremely variable.
All competitors should aim to finish within six hours and 30 minutes.
Along their way, they will benefit from 22 refreshment points, including opportunities to taste wine – in “moderate doses”, of course – and tuck into oysters, rib-eye steak, cheese, grapes and more.
Overall, 50 privately owned and prestigious wine estates are involved, including Château Lafite Rothschild, Mouton Rothschild, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Médoc and Haut-Médoc, Château Haut-Laborie and Cédric Morel.
The event was conceived by a group of six friends – four of whom were doctors – in 1984 while they were travelling home to the Médoc region after the New York Marathon.
A 'fun marathon'
Passionate about running and some owning vineyards, they wanted to create something similar in the area and decided that while running through a forest or by the river provided a beautiful backdrop, there was nothing like the vineyards to make a race even more stunning.
“At that time, marathons were very focused on performance, so everybody had to run as fast as possible. And from the very beginning they said: ‘No, no, we want to have a race for fun while still being a full marathon. We want the race to be for everyone, we don't want a competition. The focus of our race should be fun,’” explained Mr Fabre.
The group launched the first Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc in 1985, which quickly earned a reputation as the most convivial race in France.
The fun element is emphasised by runners taking part in fancy dress, the theme of which changes every year.
In a nod to the Olympics, 2024 is ‘Faites vos jeux’ (Make your games).
“That’s the cherry on the cake,” said Mr Fabre.
“When you have 8,500 runners, almost all of them in fancy dress, coming from all over the world.
“What impresses me the most is the imagination of the runners,” he added.
Fancy dress
During his tenure, Mr Fabre has witnessed some elaborate costumes. He estimates that 15-20 carts, some reaching 3-4m long, are involved every year and have to be pulled by hand along the course.
“The fancy dress costumes are so different and so well done.
"I’m usually trackside for 25 minutes after starting the race (the runners need that time to cross the line as there are so many people) and I really enjoy looking at the runners. The costumes give immense pleasure.”
Mr Fabre became involved in the race after he was asked to open up his own family-owned business, Domaines Fabre, established in 1964, and play bartender to the runners.
There are approximately 120 members of the organising committee, who oversee everything from planning, finances and accounting, to marketing and communications.
Safety is also a big concern. The event is known as the most medicalised marathon in the world to look after not just the 8,500 runners, but also the 90,000 spectators, who double the local population.
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Lots of first-time marathon runners
“First, a marathon is not an easy race and you have to be careful. Secondly, in September it can be quite warm in the Médoc area, which makes it a little more difficult still,” explained Mr Fabre.
“On top of that, roughly one third of the people taking part are first-time marathon runners.
They hear about the race and think: ‘Oh, that sounds fun. It will be nice to run my first marathon there,’ which is fine and something we are very proud of. But it's not an easy marathon from a race point of view.
“We have to be careful about the runners and make allowances for that, so we have quite a big team. Not because it's more dangerous than other races, but just because we want to ensure that if a runner needs medical treatment, they will have the very best.”
Last year, representatives from 77 countries took part, with Mr Fabre explaining that 50% of all runners are foreigners. They come from as far afield as Russia, Japan, the US and other countries.
Three days of festivities
“It's a fantastic mix of people coming from all over the world just for this race.”
It is also described as the longest marathon in the world, thanks largely to the boozy pit-stops.
“If you’re drinking too much wine, you might perhaps struggle to run straight. Having said that, I have never, ever had to handle a drunk runner on the finish line. Never, ever.
“Wine, for us, is part of our culture and you can enjoy tasting it without any anti-social or dangerous behaviour. You don’t have to be drunk to enjoy life. Our event proves this, actually.”
The festivities stretch over three days from Friday September 6 to Sunday September 8, 2024, and include a free concert on the riverbank, fireworks, tastings, a walk and more.
“We are organising not only a marathon, but a whole weekend of fun,” Mr Fabre promised.
He praised the whole area for making the marathon the success it is today.
“The Médoc population is very proud of this marathon. They are welcoming to all runners.
“For us, it's very important that from the very first second they arrive, they are made to feel at home here.
“When they go back, they’ll say: ‘Wow, we had a fantastic time over there.’ It's not only the race, it's one, two, three days in the Médoc area, which will make this time so unique in their life and that is very important to us.”
Find out more here.
Run to the refreshments: four other boozy races
Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris
Described as one of the biggest marathons in the world and the first marathon in Paris in 1896, this route is a tourist’s paradise. Starting at the foot of the Arc de Triomphe, towards the Place de la Concorde, taking in Rue de Rivoli via the Opéra Garnier and the Place de la Bastille, with the Bois de Vincennes and views of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower signalling the final stages of the race. There are 70 music scenes and at 35km, red wine and cheese is served.
www.schneiderelectricparismarathon.com/
Marathon des Vins du Jura Terre de Pasteur
The Marathon des Vins du Jura Terre de Pasteur blends sport with culture by celebrating the life and work of chemist Louis Pasteur. Taking place in October, the race starts in Arbois and finishes in Dole, the two cities that Pasteur loved. Launched by the Dole Athletic Club in 2017, there are four individual races and one team race to choose from. Refreshment points are offered every 5km or so, with tastings of local produce.
https://marathonpasteur.fr
Marathon des vins du Blaye
Created in 2004 and held every May, runners make their way through the heart of the vineyards of the Blaye Côtes in Bordeaux. Participants are invited to dress up in costume and pass by historical gems including the Citadel of Blaye, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as enjoy numerous tastings along the way.
www.marathondesvinsdeblaye.com
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace
Every June since 2005, this event has successfully blended sport with the heritage of the region. Competitors can indulge in flavourful pairings including the famous pretzel with Sylvaner, the kougelhopf and a Pinot Blanc, or sauerkraut with Riesling. The "Marathon Village" is opened and the "Spaëtzle Party" is full steam ahead. There are a variety of courses to choose from, with the children's race supporting an organ donation charity.
www.marathon-alsace.com
