Beaujolais International Marathon 2025
Book nowMarathon International du Beaujolais
- Next event : 21 Fri ➜ November 23, 2025Date confirmed
- Last event : Sat, November 23, 2024
- 2.5 km / 6 km / 12 km / 13 km / 21 km / Half Marathon (21.0975 km) / 42 km / Marathon (42.195 km)
The event in a few words
Run, drink, eat, run, drink, eat... The Beaujolais International Marathon is a feast for the taste buds and a true test of endurance! 😮💨
Villefranche-sur-Saône, located in the Rhône region, plays host to an absolutely incredible event! 🤯 In November, this road race will make you forget the cold and create unforgettable memories, all in a crazy atmosphere! 🥳 The route winds through the valleys amongst the Beaujolais vineyards, between roads, vineyard paths 🍇, and castles, outlining the Beaujolais International Marathon.
But first, let's take a step back to understand the origins of this event... It's easily seen as the little brother of the Medoc Marathon 💊. Birthed from the slightly crazy idea of three friends returning from the Big Apple 🍏 after running the New York Marathon 🗽. The year was 1995, and the idea to recreate a festive and friendly marathon "made in Beaujolais", akin to their New York experience, began to take root 💭. What followed is history: an event that now attracts over 23,000 participants in its latest 2023 edition! 😱 A festival that indeed celebrates Beaujolais heritage 🕺.
So much to share about this grand sportive celebration, but let's focus on the race first! On the agenda are 5 zany courses charted between Fleurie and Villefranche-sur-Saône ! Choices include: the Beaujolais Marathon, the Marathon-Relay (for teams of 3 or 4), the Beaujolais Half-Marathon, the "13 km of Rhône", and the "Family Marathon" of 2.5 km for children. If racing isn't your thing but you're all heart, there's the female and charity hike of 7.5 km "Rando POUR ELLES" 🎗️. And just so you know, you'll be tackling this somewhat hilly vineyard route in costume (because it's more fun 🤪), visiting a few local producers along the way! 👨🌾 If you're not too dizzy 🥴, you’ll pass by several castles (Corcelles, Pizay, Longsard to name a few) 🏰. The route takes you through numerous local towns (Corcelles-en-Beaujolais, Saint-Lager, Denicé, Gleizé) and even major cities (Belleville-sur-Saône, Charentay). The extraordinary hospitality includes massage and osteopathy services available post-race to help you recover and enjoy the rest 💆.
Because yes, this friendly event is packed with surprises! Here, the atmosphere is incredibly festive! The marathon village opens from Friday noon ☀️. On the menu 🍴: the traditional pasta party 🍝 on Friday, the wild Saturday night, and Sunday at the Wine Hamlet. That's not all, of course! The refreshment stations boast five-star quality, with fifteen tastings (drink responsibly) 🍷. And come on, we know the drill! The costume isn't just for the race, we want to see you in it throughout the festival 🦸. Nearly every participant gets into the spirit; it's the quintessential event of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region! Each year, it becomes a massive, super-friendly family gathering. The numerous activities and the strong support from spectators will push you to the finish line 🏁. To make the most of the region, numerous cottages and hotels are available nearby, and you'll find it's a hiker's paradise! 👟 And if you're eager to try even more local delicacies, treat yourself to a fine Beaujolais sausage or the traditional Juliénas coq au vin. It's going to be delicious! 😋
Sport 🏋️♀️, celebration 🥳, and gastronomy 🍽️, before, during, and after the race: the Beaujolais International Marathon is no small affair! 🍻
4 reasons to join this race
A distance for every taste
MarathonTOP
Half Marathon
Road Running
Trail
Walking
- Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 8:30 AM
- 2,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx42.195 km
A few more words
"Ladies and gentlemen, get ready, we are about to start!" Shoes tied, watch ready, eyes and ears wide open: perfect, you have everything you need for a crazy marathon filled with music, tastings, and (a bit of) running! 🤪
Starting from Fleurie, your goal will be to reach Villefranche-sur-Saône crossing the 42 km that lie between. To help you, plentiful wine tastings (always in moderation), refreshments, and numerous music bands will be present along the course. In fact, just after 3 kilometers, you'll already have the chance to enjoy a glass of Beaujolais 🍷 in Lancié, to kick off your run in style. 😆
The rest of your journey will be dotted with castles, and even more castles! Corcelles Castle (km 4.5), Pizay Castle (km 10), La Terrière Castle (km 15), Ravatys Castle (km 17), La Brasse Castle (km 20), and finally Petit Talancé Castle (km 35) will mark your strides and offer a magical backdrop 🏰. At each of these castles, you'll enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by a music band to set the mood. 🎶
After this series of castles and lively songs, you will gradually approach the end of your run. A quick pass through Gleizé, and Villefranche-sur-Saône will open its gates and Joseph Balloffet Avenue. What's so special about it? It will crown your journey with a dozen wine tasting points 😮. After going through the famous Rue Nationale (or 'Rue Nat' to the locals), you'll finally head towards the finish line!
Semi-Marathon
Road Running- Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:30 AM
- Elevation gain : 253mD+ / 257mD-
- 5,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx21.0975 km
A few more words
Get ready for a loop through the Beaujolais vineyards 🍷 starting from Villefranche-sur-Saône!
After a few strides in Caladois territory, head towards Gleizé. You'll then pass by the Domaine de la Ruisselière and through the town of Lacenas. Along the way, you’ll have several opportunities to taste Beaujolais wines to boost your spirits! 🍷 You’ll reach Denicé at km 8, followed by a series of castles starting at the 13th km: Château Le Colombier, Château du Petit Talancé, and Grand Talancé. Then, it's back to Villefranche-sur-Saône, along the Avenue des Crus where a dozen tastings await you, its Rue Nat’ and finally to the finish line! 🏁
13 km
Road Running- Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
- Elevation gain : 129mD+ / 134mD-
- 6,000+ runners in the last edition
- 1 loopx13 km
A few more words
The most accessible race of the Beaujolais International Marathon, the 13 km of the Rhône is a fun and festive run that is eagerly anticipated each year!
Starting with a loop from Villefranche-sur-Saône, this 13 km race will first take you through Gleizé, a small neighboring town. Just past the halfway point, you will be able to admire the Château de la Venerie. Then you will continue your stride back towards your starting point 📍.
With 2 refreshment stops and 7 wine tastings planned along the route, you can say that you'll be reenergized before you even start to feel tired! 😅
2.5 km : Family Marathon
Road Running- Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 9:30 AM
- 1 loopx2.5 km
A few more words
The Beaujolais Marathon welcomes everyone from youngsters to adults, making this event a true celebration of sports! 🎉
Featured in the Family Marathon is a 2.5 km loop around Villefranche-sur-Saône, which participants can choose to complete once or twice, catering to all preferences 😋.
This race is open to children of all ages, but those under 12 must be accompanied by an adult 👨👩👧👦.
- Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 7:00 AM
- 1 loopx42 km
- Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 8:00 AM
- 1 loopx21 km
- Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 8:15 AM
- 1 loopx13 km
- Sun, November 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM ➜ 10:00 AM
- 1 loopx12 km
A few more words
For the second consecutive year, the Beaujolais Marathon is organizing a 7.5 km charity walk in partnership with the "Run FOR THEM" association.
The "Walk FOR THEM" is an easy and accessible event that follows a looped road course. It's a chance to be part of a major sporting celebration while contributing to a noble cause: raising funds for the fight against women's cancers. €10 from each registration will be donated to this cause.
Important: there is one requirement - you must wear pink! 🌸
- Sun, November 23, 2025 at 9:00 AM ➜ 10:00 AM
- 1 loopx6 km
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
2025 information coming soon.
Do you only want to book the bib? Your international pass includes:
Access to a multilingual platform and support for your registration
Your race bib
A dedicated international desk for bib pickup
An English-speaking hotline dedicated to foreign runners to answer all your questions during the weekend
A vintage poster
A bottle of 2025 Beaujolais Nouveau offered exclusively to our international runners
Do you want an all-inclusive package including your bib, accommodation, events, transfers, etc.? If so, fill out the form here to receive a tailor-made offer (customizable package available for groups).
Our official agency Groupe Couleur or its partners in your country will respond as soon as possible.
Marathon: Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 8:30 AM in Fleurie
"Bacchus 42": Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 7:00 AM. More information coming soon.
Semi-marathon: starts at 11:30 AM in Villefranche-sur-Saône (Avenue St Exupéry)
"Bacchus 21": Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 8:00 AM. More information coming soon.
"13 km du Rhône": starts at 2:00 PM in Villefranche-sur-Saône (Avenue St Exupéry)
"Bacchus 13": Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 8:15 AM. More information coming soon.
"Rando POUR ELLES 12 km": Sunday, November 23, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. More information coming soon.
"Rando POUR ELLES 6 km": Sunday, November 23, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. More information coming soon.
"Family Marathon": Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30 AM at the Town Hall of Villefranche-sur-Saône.
For the Marathon starting in Fleurie, a shuttle service is planned on Saturday, November 22, 2025, departing from Parc Expo to Fleurie. It will operate between 6:30 AM and 7:15 AM.
Marathon: 21.1 km at 12:30 PM / 30.1 km at 2:00 PM / 42.2 km at 4:00 PM
Semi-marathon: 13.2 km at 2:30 PM / 21.1 km at 4:00 PM
13 km du Rhône: 7.3 km at 2:40 PM / 13 km at 4:40 PM
Throughout all the races, refreshment stations will be located every 5 km.
Yes, there will be four pacers: 3h15, 3h30, 3h45, 4h.
Available for you:
Showers: accessible for all bib holders. Located at the Mongré swimming pool.
Bag check: you can only deposit the bag provided by the organizers (with your personal belongings inside). You can retrieve it after the race by presenting your bib.
Locker rooms: available and accessible upon presentation of your bib
Marathon: must be 20 years or older
Semi-marathon: must be 18 years or older
"13 km du Rhône": must be 16 years or older
"Rando POUR ELLES": must be 12 years or older
"Family Marathon": must be 12 years or older (children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult)
For minors, parental consent must be validated during online registration. Only the organization’s form will be accepted.
Yes! In addition to participating in one of the marathon distances, you can enjoy several fun events. Note, spots are limited.
Beaujolais Nouveau Party, Thursday, November 20, starting at 7:00 PM in Lacenas
Magic Pasta Party on Friday, November 21, starting at 7:00 PM in Lacenas
Marathon Night on Saturday, November 22, starting at 7:30 PM at the Exhibition Park of Villefranche-sur-Saône
Wine tour lunch on Sunday, November 23, at the Hameau Duboeuf in Romanèche-Thorins
Focus
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