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Finely tuned athletes need not apply, for the Marathon du Medoc is one race where fleetness of foot is a disadvantage, as the last thing anyone wants to do is actually win. That would be a grave mistake, for this bibulous progression is about wine, wine, glorious wine.
It starts at Pauillac, not far from Bordeaux. Participants (many wearing outlandish costumes) are entertained by nearly 60 chateaux that offer a taste of fine wine to passing runners at tasting stations. Snacks like raisins and fruit are available along the way and there are also refreshment stops that serve tasty food like grilled beef, oysters and cheese. Meanwhile, musicians serenade passing competitors.
A not insubstantial entry fee is required, plus a medical release, but the effort is worthwhile. The watchwords of 'The Medoc' are health, sport, conviviality and fun - with special emphasis on the latter, with the entry form specifically discouraging speed merchants and anyone who is sad, unfriendly or stressed out. Those who fail to gain entry (or are medically unfit!) can watch, enjoy the general razzmatazz and stay on for the grape harvest that follows.
Perhaps it's just as well that this event really is more about taking part than winning or even managing to finish. Sadly, many runners get distracted by temptation - not only failing to get around inside the six-and-a-half hours that earn a medal and loads of goodies (including a bottle of Medoc wine), but failing to finish at all. The number of dropouts is undoubtedly swelled by the fact that it seems mandatory to eat excessively on the previous evening - with Pauillac mounting a Soiree Mille Plates (Thousand-dish Evening) and numerous smaller dinners hosted by individual vineyards. It's all delightfully French - and simply delightful.
When to visit
September/October
Where
Pauillac, Gironde
Best for
Being part of the world's tastiest marathon, as a participant or spectator.
You should know
The Marathon du Medoc has become so popular that entry is now restricted to around half the would-be 17,000 runners (8,500 are accepted), a firm of whom must be foreigners - entry forms are available from mid-February.
