Thomas Lucas For a runners’ experience like no other, get to know the infamous Marathon du Medoc in the south western region of Gironde! This race is an adventure across French vineyards which welcomes around 8000 participants every year.
Whether a traditional marathon has never appealed or you’re a fitness fanatic looking to shake up your routine, a wine marathon in France could be exactly what you’re looking for. If you enjoy French wine and cheese, this unique race crosses fields where the delicious grapes for one of France’s biggest exports grow.
What is the Marathon Du Medoc?
With over twenty wine stops along the route, this is a truly unique race organised in one of the most visited French wine regions. You can also expect music from live orchestras and reggae bands from the Medoc region to soundtrack your run – forget about needing a playlist!
Food stops between French vineyards also range from steak to oysters, cheese or even ice cream makes for a radical change from the energy gel packets and water bottles that you’ll see on most race routes! For any foodies, you can also expect a gourmet pasta dinner hosted in a chateau with unlimited wine, the night before you lace up your trainers.
The vast number of runners also don fancy dress for this incredible wine run so remember to pack yours. If you’re planning a trip to France, P&O Ferries offer up to fifteen crossings a day to choose from – to pack everything you might need like a crazy costume, bringing your car onboard also makes life a whole lot easier.
Explore the Marathon Route
Along with all the amazing tastes you’ll savour along the route, there are plenty of highlights that you’ll cross in the Medoc region that will linger in your mind long after you’ve left. Here are some of our picks that the marathon route is nearby to so look out for each of them.
If you’re visiting Gironde any time of year, these scenic spots near the Medoc marathon route are always worth a visit! Starting from the wine commune of Pauillac, this is a great destination for indulging in a French fantasy.
Chateau Rothschild
As this route crosses various vineyards in the region, some of the top sights are the many grand French chateaux you’ll pass on your route. One of the most famous wine destinations in the region is the Rothschild family’s estate – they have owned this property since 1718. You can visit here for wine tastings and wander around the grounds.
Nearby Commune of Bages
Alongside the France wine marathon that this area is renowned for, the picturesque commune of Bages is just a four-minute drive away. This town is a celebration of produce from the Pauillac area and in the town centre, you can find craft shops and much more.
Pleasure Beach and Coastline
The route for the Medoc Marathon will also take you along Pauillac’s coastline so you may want to stop off here for a dip. Remember to pack everything you might need for a beach trip in your car if you drive onboard – you can bring anything your car can carry!
How do I enter the Marathon Du Medoc?
Applications for the Medoc Marathon 2022 have now closed with all spots on the route given out. Anyone hoping to run the Medoc Marathon in 2023 should sign up for email notifications from organisers as the race date is yet to be announced. You must also be twenty-one years old to enter the race – if you want to take part then why not start planning your trip with P&O?
