The Marathon du Medoc is the ultimate challenge for the more refined athletes among us.
Ah, the south of France, where the pace of life is just that bit slower, and it’s all about taking the time to appreciate the finer things in life. And it turns out, even their sporting events embrace la belle vie. [Photo: @kimmylo]
The Marathon du Medoc, which first started in 1985, is a ‘race’ with a twist. The winding course is dotted with fetes and celebrations, with over twenty wine stops en route, each accompanied by live orchestra and delicious food.
Leave your energy gels at home, friends, because on last year’s marathon runners enjoyed croissants, steak, oysters, cheese and ice cream as they gingerly jogged through the vineyards of France.
And while fancy dress is absolutely essential, being fleet of foot isn’t – although you must finish in under 6.5 hours, indigestion be damned.
Preparation for such a feat is naturally all-important. Which is why thousands of participants gather the night before at a local chateau for an enormous pasta banquet, all washed down with the best local wines. (No better way to start marathon than clangingly hungover, after all.)
And if all that isn’t enough, the subsequent day also offers a leisurely 10k stroll through the best local vineyards, culminating in another gastrically-challenging feast.
See the marathon in action here:
Ready for the challenge?
The Marathon du Medoc is now open for entries – the second wave of registration begins next week.
The 2019 marathon takes place on September 7.
Tickets are €88/£76ish, with upgrades available to enjoy the pre- or post- race pasta feasts.
Fly to Bordeaux (from £81 return, with Easyjet) then train or shuttle bus to Paulliac.
Find out more on their website.
