Marathon of Médoc 2026

Raising a glass is sometimes the best way to not "slow down your pace." In any case, that could be the motto of the Marathon of Médoc (and not the Marathon of Médoc, this one might not cure your liver either...). You'll need to work twice on your physical condition, first to tackle the 42.195 km on the schedule, but also to enjoy the local wines. Because for a whole weekend, you will cycle through parties, the race, recovery, and unlimited tastings 😋.

Since 1985 (the year of the last French victory in the Tour de France!), nearly 10,000 participants from 75 countries come to register for this event that is unlike any other in Pauillac, in Gironde. The dress code is as quirky as the race, and you will have to show off your best costume 🕺. Get ready to experience an extraordinary and endless race, it's said to be the longest marathon in the world... 🥵

You will cross some of the most beautiful vineyards and châteaux of the region (the race is also called "Marathon of the Castles of Médoc"), from Pauillac to Sainte-Estèphe, in the heart of very renowned wine estates 🍇. It is in a fun, quirky, even bawdy atmosphere, where you drink glasses of wine while running, that you are about to run the craziest marathon of your life. If you manage to finish the race, you might have set a remarkable record (but surely not your personal best time for the distance) by tasting about twenty wines 🍷. It's called "oeno-sportif" tests, try saying that after four or five glasses! 🤣 

Your schedule is going to be just as crazy (hazy?): party on Friday, race on Saturday, recovery walk day (a gentle understatement) and gourmet village on Sunday. Enough to already make your head spin! We forgot to tell you, there's quite the "pre-party" beforehand, with a wild night organized at Château Pédesclaux. 🏰 No wonder weekend athletes end up vomiting or relieving themselves in the vineyards! True story! 

To keep the atmosphere lively throughout the race, bands and brass ensembles will be playing 🎺. There's no doubt, this race is out of the ordinary. It's not just small beer! And it's not over yet! If you've made it this far, participate in one of the 50 events on the schedule along the route: music groups and numerous snacks more or less "healthy": ranging from andouillettes, oysters 🦪, entrecôtes 🥩, cheeses and grapes 🧀, there will be something for everyone's taste 🧀.

Still, be careful of blacking out, it would be a shame to have no memory of this crazy event! But don't forget nonetheless that alcohol should be consumed in moderation. But if it solves no problem, remember that neither do water and milk! 🙈