Competitive wine tasting, anyone?
Then let us introduce you to the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc.
The 38th edition of this French race involves running 26 miles through the Médoc region of France, drinking wine and eating French food along the way. Think of it like an excuse to overindulge yet still humble brag to your friends that you ran a marathon on your European vacation.
Image Credit: © Yves Mainguy
Your guide to the Marathon du Médoc 2024
Wine, cheese, and running—it’s like the drinking games you used to play in college, just as a refined workout.
When is the Marathon du Médoc 2024?
The Marathon du Médoc 2024 will take place between Friday, September 6th, and Sunday, September 8th, 2024, just outside of Bordeaux in the town of Pauillac. The race itself is held on Saturday, September 7th, 2024. September 6th hosts an optional dinner while September 8th hosts an opportunity to walk the race route.
Where does the Marathon du Médoc start?
The Marathon du Médoc’s starts in Pauillac. The route then stretches as far south as Le Bourdieu and as far north as Saint-Estephe.
What is the theme of the 2024 Marathon du Médoc?
“Make your Games” will be the 2024 Medoc Marathon Theme.
How many runners are in the Médoc Marathon?
Registration is limited to only 8,500 participants for the 2024 Médoc Marathon. Registration, both with and without accommodation included, opens in March of 2024.
See also: the best marathons in Europe
Image Credit: © Yves Mainguy
Do they really drink wine during the Marathon du Médoc?
Oh yeah, the race is filled with dozens of booths, most of which feature wines and crus from the Médoc region, including the vineyards the marathon winds through.
How many wine stops are there in Marathon du Médoc?
There are typically around two dozen or so wine stops along the Marathon du Médoc route. And it’s no swirl, spit, speed-off situation, either. This race welcomes runners to stop, savor, and smile at the fact that they’re tasting some of the best wines in the region.
What do they eat at the Médoc marathon?
It’d be pretty irresponsible to uncork cases of wine and not have anything to nibble on in between race legs. The Marathon du Médoc booths also feature a variety of local foods like cheese, bread, and even oysters and steak.
Can tourists run in the Médoc marathon?
Yes, anyone can run in the Marathon du Médoc as long as they are registered. All runners must have been born on or before September 10, 2002, and all must have submitted a medical certificate.
What do you win in the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc?
What do you win after drinking wine in a foot race? More wine! Most winners receive a case of Médoc wine. The male and female category winners receive their weight in Médoc wine. So do you cut water weight before the race to ensure a victory or do you eat a wheel of Brie and hope to win it big?
Image Credit: © Yves Mainguy
I don’t drink, I don’t run; what can I do at the Marathon du Médoc?
Got a go-getter partner who you cheer on from the sidelines? Are you in France more for the cheese than the wine?
Don’t worry, you can do more than muddle through the Marathon du Médoc 2024. Here are your two options:
Take the route at a snail’s pace on Sunday
While the Marathon du Médoc 2024 has concluded for the runners, those who didn’t spend their Saturday running 26 miles can enjoy a leisurely walk through the racecourse, stopping to sample the wines and foods available.
Or enjoy a day around Pauillac
This small French town on the Gironde estuary has enough charm, charcuterie, and wine bars to fill your morning and afternoon. If you want to visit another place around Pauillac, you can download the Trainline app and instantly purchase tickets from Gare de Pauillac to nearby Bordeaux and beyond.
Header Image Credit: © Yves Mainguy