Hey you, running enthusiast and good pint lover, it's time to lace up your sneakers and sharpen your palate! 👅 The 4th edition of the incredible Beer Marathon is coming to Montbrison, in the Loire, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, in May! 🍻 As the saying goes: in May, do as you please! 🤪 This totally wacky competition will make you realize that, in the end, beer and a marathon can be a good match! 🧹 Moreover, there's not just one 42 km on the event program since a half-marathon, a 10 km and two gourmet walks are also organized. So sit back and grab yourself a large blonde while we explain everything 👇.
Exercising is not only to stay in shape 🏋️ but also to have fun 😏. Lovers of fine dining, drinks, in short, bon vivants, will feel like a little fish in malt during the Beer Marathon. This meeting has one goal: break the codes! 💥 Who said you couldn't have fun while running? 🤔 Have fun with competitors who are in the same spirit as you and who, like you (we hope), will have played the fancy-dress game! Yes, this festive 🎉 competition invites participants to wear their best costume. It's even "strongly recommended"! Have you ever seen Asterix run a half while drinking a Pelforth? 🍺 This year, the theme of the celebration is "Invasion of Gauls", so let your imagination run wild! Such a mix of visual, physical, and gustatory flavors is not to be missed! But be careful not to stuff your belly too much, because then, the party would turn into a nightmare 😂. You need to know your limits!
So, several distances have been made available: a half-marathon, a 10 km and two gourmet walks of 8 km and 15 km are open to allow everyone from all levels of alcoholism of skills to participate 👍. So depending on the distances, you'll have more or less refreshment stations, composed of beers (obviously) and treats 😋. We hope this won't influence your choice too much! 😅 So if you like running, you have plenty of choices with these 3 races! By the way, note that these are FFA labeled events awaiting you. They are well arranged, smooth, and performance-friendly. It will add some challenge! 😏 Otherwise, if you choose to participate in the walk, know that 1€ of your registration will be donated to the APF France Handicap association. That's also what the Beer Marathon is about! Moreover, para-athletes can register for the event... But, without forgetting the traffic code for two-wheelers! 😂
But pushing your physical and gustatory limits is not the only attraction of this event. The race takes place in the heart of the Forez and its treasures ✨. You'll see characterful villages, exceptional places (like the famous Bâtie d’Urfé). Indeed, Montbrison is a magnificent city where you can discover the region's riches, take a stroll at the Montbrison Market, named the most beautiful market in France, or even enjoy a tasting of the famous Fourme de Montbrison 🧀. Otherwise, for those who wish to continue having fun, there is always the possibility to participate in the great open-air party... 🙄 Yes! The partygoers will be happy to know that many partner breweries will be present, along with food trucks and musicians 🎺. That's a good way to get back in the saddle after enjoying massages, showers, and fireworks!
So, ready for a marathon like no other? 😁 Put on your craziest outfit, train for the race and tasting, and meet at the starting line for an unforgettable moment! Cheers!
If you're not available on race day, you can always toast at another race from the Friendliness Challenge 🎉, 21 festive races with the taste of local flavors!
⚠️ Excessive drinking is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation
Among the 17 supply stations of the marathon, does the Gaul want to know which ones offer a tasting of ale? 🍺
So do you think you'll make it to the end? 🍻
Among the 10 refreshment stations of the half-marathon, does the Gaul want to know which ones offer a tasting of beer? 🍺
So, do you think you'll make it to the end? 🍻
This 10 km between Montbrison and Chamodieu will be punctuated by 5 refreshment points 😏.
Here is the mapping of the walk:
Races for kids are organized:
Each participant will receive a medal and a snack to keep the memories! 🥇
Bibs can be collected upon presentation of an ID, at the exhibitors' village: 15 Imp. des Jacquins, 42600 Montbrison.
Saturday, 05/23/2026 from 10:30 AM to 6 PM
Sunday, 05/24/2026 from 7:30 AM to 12 PM
For the Marathon: start on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 9 AM from 15 Impasse des Jacquins (42600, Montbrison)
For the Half-Marathon: start on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 10:30 AM from 15 Impasse des Jacquins (42600, Montbrison)
For the 10 km: start on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 1 PM from 15 Impasse des Jacquins (42600, Montbrison)
For the children's races: start on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 3 PM from 15 Impasse des Jacquins (42600, Montbrison)
For the Fun Run: start on Saturday, May 23, 2026, from 5 PM from 15 Impasse des Jacquins (42600, Montbrison)
For the Walks: start on Monday, May 25, 2026, between 8 AM and 10 AM at Impasse des Jacquins (42600, Montbrison)
The Marathon is open from the junior category
The Half-Marathon is open to those 18 and older on the day of the race
The 10 km is open to those 18 and older on the day of the race
The Children's Race is open to all minors under 15. Parental authorization must be validated during online registration. Minors (under 12) must be accompanied by an adult.
Non-licensed: Mandatory provision of a validated health prevention course certificate "PPS" or a medical certificate of fitness for competitive running, competitive athletics, or competitive sports.
For licensed participants: Mandatory provision of a photocopy of the license (for licenses requiring a medical exam). For other licenses, attach a medical certificate of fitness for competitive running or a certified photocopy by the person concerned.
For the Marathon: 6h30
For the Half-Marathon: 3h
For the 10 km: 2h
For the walks: 4h
Access to the start village "Made in Loire" Fair (open to everyone) where you can taste local products and those from other regions offered
The official MDB glass giving access to the Brewers' "THE PLACE TO BEER" specialties where you can taste delicious beers brewed with passion by the master brewers. Excessive drinking is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.
A unique MDB runner's pack (for chipped bib events only)
The race of your choice with classic refreshments every 5 km, along with numerous beer tastings and artisanal products served in a festive and very musical atmosphere.
The vintage medal for Finishers
A gift for all Finishers of the Marathon event
Scratch and real times to the hundredth of a second with split time at the halfway point for marathoners
You can check the race rules here

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