Plan to speed a long weekend here with friends, Thursday to Sunday night to really soak up the great pre/post-race atmosphere. Do wear comfortable fancy dress. Take a camera. Don't worry about running a PB! Save yourself for the fantastic feast over the last 3 miles - oysters, steak, fruit, cheese and of course wine! The post race lunch on Sunday at the Chateux Beychevelle is one of the best open air meals I have ever had - plan to get very drunk! I wrote a 3 page article for my running club newsletter if anyone needs any more persuasion. Enjoy!

What a big party !!! Half of the runners run in costumes and the course passes lots of chateauxs with extra parties. You will never forget this marathon.
But the course passes hills, sand and gravy roads. The weather is mostly very warm. You've got enough time to party and run (7 hours).

Very classy race. Chateaux and wine and song every kilometer or two. The race is about camaraderie, and dancing, and good spirits. The BEST pre and post race dinners and lunches I have ever experienced (seven courses of pasta the day before!). You could run a faster marathon, but not one more fun than this! I passed on the oysters at Mile 23 - some things just don't go with the Wall. Sign up early as space goes quickly as more people learn about this race. Only downer was a slight lack of organization in terms of water supply - they ran out at one or two stations before us 'back of pack' runners arrived.

It is a feast of the good life. Fun, music, wine and sport make it an ideal combination.

Only in France could you taste the lastest vintage of Lafite Rothschild while running a marathon! There are over 20 official wine tasting stations! Don't worry, they serve water too. Plan on having a blast, but not running a PR. Dress up in a whacky costume if you like. The course is beautiful and the Chataeux are splendid. Music almost every km and the spectators are wonderful. Make sure you have oysters and white wine at mile # 23. To recuperate, spend 3-5 days in Arcachon soaking up a little sun along the Atlantic Ocean! Arcachon is only 45 minutes away.