Marathon du Medoc - Race Reviews

This race, while difficult to find the actual date registration opens (it fills up quickly) and difficult to actually register (especially if you lack knowing French as first or second language) is well worth all the effort! The party begins at packet pickup then blends into a pasta party that night. We didn't do the pasta party, but my understanding is.... not sure how those people made it to the start line the next morning! Its ends late and the wine never seemed to run dry. The day of the race is a spectacle so arrive extra early. The course is like nothing else (wine, cheese, beer, fruit, steak, oysters.. the list goes on) and the spectators are super! The after party and finisher swag is beyond anything I've ever received. There is a 10k walk the next day (which we also didn't do), but apparently you walk several of the chateaux visited on the marathon and drink even more wine and eat even more cheese. Seriously what is there NOT to love about all of this??? Except the fact you have to wait an entire year to do it again :-(

Most marathons are serious affairs. You are either doing your first and nervous as hell, or you are aiming for a PB so got your game face on. Medoc is not serious in that it's fancy dress and they hand out wine at the drink stations. What's not to like about that! Yes you still have to run 42.2 Km but you can run at a casual pace, wander around for a bit at the drink stations and just enjoy yourself. Along with the classic races, this really does belong on the 'must run' list. Tips: - pick a costume that allows you to actually run, or be prepared to take 5+ hours. - Consider a costume that you can (partially) discard. Lots of people do this, so don't worry. - It can get hot, you should wear a hat and sun protection. I've done serious races and not serious, and not serious is way better!

Beautiful course through vineyards heavy with fruit, past chateaus, on country roads and paths, through small towns with 90 percent of the 8500 runners in costume. And at leat 20 chateaus serving wine, numerous bands, good food (including raw oysters) and pretty good crowds for a rural location. Well organized with aeriel acrobatic entertainment and music at the start and good swag: shirt, boxed bottle of wine, medal and backpack. Logistics can be a bit challenging for those not on tours, but a 5 euro roundtrip bus from the center of Bordeaux to Pauillac was easy way to travel on race day. Packet pickup the day prior may be more difficult without a car if you are not on a tour. This is definitely a bucket list event especially if you are fond of running and wine and want to combine the two. Just remember - it is still a marathon.

So what happens when the reality exceeds the dream? Savor it. Five years of dreaming and planning and yearning to run the fabled Medoc...I finally made it happen for my 75th birthday. Marathon Tours' impeccably orchestrated adventure involved epicurean meals, velvety wine, laconic humor and fascinating stories of the legendary Bordeaux region...enriching and engaging. And the marathon? Running with wildly costumed revelers through bucolic vineyards with wine at every aid station...what's not to like? It was an experience I replay often; magical moments, dreams realized, memories forever...I will go back.

I ran in the 2012 running of the Medoc, and had been so excited to participate in this quirky race. However, this year was hotter than most. It was over 30C/90F degrees out! The race organizers were clearly not prepared for this high temperature and that extra water needed in such conditions. I started towards the back of the pack and ran nearly 10K before finding water on the route. Most water stations along the course were totally out of water when I passed them. There's only so much wine you can safely taste without also having water during a hot weather marathon. Organizers, please next year be prepared to provide water to ALL runners and not just the front runners.

I was talked into running this marathon by my father as his 'retirement' race. I did a practice marathon 6 months before, just so I knew what I was in for, so it was only my second marathon. Well, what an experience. ALL marathons should have wine available on the course, it really takes the edge off running 42km! I smiled and laughed the whole way, paced myself on some jellyfish, chatted to random cows/pigs/ladybirds....you get the idea.. got a bit drunk at the 30km mark. The food and wine is excellent. Bands at every winery, crowds out on the street cheering and with homemade goods to try. It was a highlight of my life not just my running life - and i'll be back, with friends in tow!

This has been my first marathon and have a nasty suspicion that it will remain the standard that the rest will aspire to. It is not for the aggressive, militant runner, it is absolute fun and a perfect testament to the fabulous nature of the region and the wonderful people who make the race possible. You must do it, you must dress up and embrace the whole ethos and you must book early!

Another year, another day participating in the race billed as the longest marathon in the world. On the 11th of September, 2010, 8,500 runners took part in the famous wine-fueled Marathon du Medoc. A total of 23 wine-tasting stations (and countless water stations) were available to the runners over the course of 42 KM/26 miles. In addition, the last four kilometers of the race included all-you-can-eat oysters, cheese, ham, BBQ and ice cream. Each racer was given 6:30 hours to complete the race (although it should be noted that the organizers actually stopped tracking the finish times at 7:00 on the dot) and over 90% of the participants ran in costume. This year's costume theme was "comic books," so there were a lot of smurfs, Asterixs and Obelixs, Tintin, etc. Only about 40% of the runners actually dressed as comic book characters and the rest dressed in miscellaneous costumes (i.e. construction workers, transvestites, etc.). The marathon itself is really nice because it is mostly flat and cuts through the vineyards and chateaus of some of the most famous wineries in the region. The race begins and ends in Pauillac, so most of the wineries in the vicinity are visited. We passed through (and tasted) wine from prestigious producers such as Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Beychevelle, Chateau Latour, etc. One of the highlights of the race was running through the Chateau Lafite Rothschild, tasting one of their wines, and then stripping off the costume to jump in a pond within the Chateau's property (although it is recommended not to jump in with a camera in your hand as one particular transvestite did during the race). At the end of the race, everyone got a medal, a backpack, and a wine bottle and then they all gathered in a party tent where people were served copious amounts of wine, beer, and refreshments as well as sandwiches. In all seriousness, it is imperative that your training for this race includes drinking a bit of wine each day and slowly increasing your dosage. My training regime culminated with a wine-tasting trip through the Burgundy and Bordeaux regions a few days before the race itself. The organization of the race is excellent, but not strict enough to allow some of the participants to begin the race halfway through (as some of our group members did). The T-shirt received for signing up for the race was not great, but at least it should be possible to use it sometime in the future.

This is not just a marathon; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and journey. The course winds through numerous historical French Chateaux and 59 vineyards in the Medoc region of southwest France. The course is difficult with much of the race being on uneven pavement, dirt and gravel. For some reason, if you are struggling during the race, the halfway point is near the start/finish line, so you won't need to be driven back. In 2010, the weather was 82 degrees F and sunny. Most of the participants are dressed in creative costumes and the start of the race is a total party with music and show. The spectators (limited in some areas) are great along the course and cheer you on by your name, which is located on your race bib. There are approximately 22 water, food, music, and amazing wine tasting stops along the course. The race organizers allow a 6 and a 1/2-hour time limit, and they mean it. When the time limit is reached, the finish line is closed and nobody is allowed to cross, so pace yourself accordingly. At the finish line, you are greeted by enthusiastic volunteers who hand out a heavy medal, a Marathon du Medoc backpack, and a bottle of decent Bordeaux wine in a commemorative wood carton. So, if you are looking for an unique experience in a marathon, I recommend taking it slow and enjoying every sight, sound, and taste of this superb marathon in Medoc, France. You will never forget it! ALLEZ!!!

Long story short: after two weeks with food poisoning, I decided to only run the first half, while my husband did the whole. It was still an amazing experience! First of all, to enjoy this race you need to fully embrace the French way of doing things... just go with the flow and enjoy yourself. Here are some things we wish we'd known ahead of time: The town of Pauillac and surrounding area are truly not spectacular - mostly just working vineyards and industry. You won't be missing anything if you are just in town for the weekend. The expo is small but well organized, so show up any time. The shirts were scratchy, fitted tank tops; order a size up. The pasta dinner ("mille-pates") is unbelievably fun and worth every penny. Buy tickets when you register, and remember that it starts with a mandatory "cocktail hour" outside the tent, so bring a warm jacket and don't arrive early. (You'll have a great time even if you don't speak French... everyone there will take great pride in trying to explain things to you.) There is no transport or official parking on race morning; get into town before they close the roads, and park in any lot near the start. Wear a costume, bring a camera, and if you're part of an American group, consider wearing US flags so people can wave and try to speak to you in English. It is a great excuse to make friends. The wine stops get more frequent throughout the course, so pace yourself! And at the end the food area is an absolute zoo, so be patient or bring cash to buy some food nearby. Also, the day after the race is a traditional oyster market day in some nearby ocean villages... it's a great way to stretch your legs if you're still in town. This race is one-of-a-kind and definitely an extremely fun and unique experience!

This was 109th marathon; why did I wait so long to have so much fun. It's one of the top 100 things to do before you die. In fact, I would put it in the top 10 from start to finish - it was fantastic. It was a hard course, but the wine and the fun made the miles go fast. Terrific start with the dancing girls - what a way to warm up. Great sports bag, good medal, great bottle of wine, and also a fantastic running vest. Please do not turn up in running gear to spoil the atmosphere. Take your time, relax, and get ready to party. I will be back again and again.

...all at the same time! Very nice course in the countryside along the vineyards and the "chateaux." Exceptionnal ambiance and the runners are mostly relaxed. Forget about doing a personal best there though; it's not flat, and it's muddy at times. But it's definitely worth doing!!!!

My wife and I participated in this event several weeks ago and were completely impressed with it. The organization, on-course support and festive spirit (during and after the race) were fantastic, as were the scenery and great wines to sample throughout the course. It can certainly be run competitively, but that goes counter to the intent of the event and really warrants that you take the time to enjoy the paths through the vineyards and chateaus, as well as the many fine wines to be had along the way. Truly a "must do" for adventurous marathon runners.

After 23 marathons, I urge you all to travel and participate in this grand marathon. It is fun!!! And a combination of Mardi Gras, Woodstock, and Halloween on running shoes. Oh yeah, you also run through the breathtaking French countryside and can drink to your hearts content. Leave the watch behind and simply CELEBRATE LIFE. :-)

Unlike any other marathon. Red wine flows before, during and after. You will not have your fastest time, but you'll have the greatest time. The circus atmosphere begins at the start when the runners congregate in costume. Many costumes are elaborate and include a 'float' that is dragged the entire course. This year's theme was western so they started by singing Oh Susanna and Take Me Home, Country roads. A violoinst accompanied hanging from a trapeze. You run from one incredible Chateau to the next and Bordeaux wine is served with plenty of water every 2 KM. Near the finish food is served every Km. First Jambon (ham) then oysters with champagne, then buffallo and finally sorbet. When you reach the finish you receive a medal, a bottle of wine and a knapsack. The wine continues in the post race tent. The following day a 9 Km walk is held to help in recoperation( Balade de récupération) and again wine is served at each Chateau. It was a very rememberable experience and a great deal of fun.

This was the first marathon I have entered, which I was doing for pure enjoyment and not against the clock - it's the only way to approach it or you will miss out. Running through the vineyards and the all the magnificent chateaus is fantastic and great wine was drunk at all the water/wine stations along the route - 23 in total and most in glasses, as opposed to paper cups. If you prefer the slick organization of a large corporate machine marathon, this one isn't for you; for instance, there were no toilets en route but if you make the effort to dress up and get into the swing of it, you will be rewarded with one of the most enjoyable running experiences you can have. The crowds along the route treat it like the carnival day - which it is - and are very vocal, and Bordeaux itself is a wonderful city to stay in for a few days afterwards. There are so many marathons in the world to try but this one I will do again!

I hemmed and hawed about entering this marathon for a long time, but I'm delighted I did it! Even though we left the entry until too late, and ended up booking via a travel agent, it was worth the hassle. The race starts and finishes in the small town of Paulliac, which is on the south banks of the Gironde River about 20-minute drive from Bordeaux. We flew into Bordeaux and drove to a chateau we were staying just outside Paulliac - the drive through the Medoc region is fantastic and you can't wait to get running! We missed the expo, etc. having booked via a travel agent, but there was a relaxed atmosphere in the town the night before.... The morning of the race was a real eye opener... from every direction people in fancy dress descended on the main promenade and the atmosphere was fantastic... it was just great fun seeing the effort people had put in and we didn't feel at all foolish in our berets and fake moustaches (make the effort!!!). The funniest sight had to be about a dozen 'senior' men dressed up as Charlie Chaplins with walking sticks, bow ties and bowler hats.... The organizers had special trapeeze acts dangling from cranes over the waiting runners as we all stood open-mouthed staring towards the sky before the start - what a great idea!! The start was slow - at some stages the narrow streets caused the race to grind to a complete stop... but with great local cheering and so much camaraderie amongst the runners no one was too bothered... it was through these first streets you could get the whiff of red wine that had been uncorked and many people were offered (and indulging!) in a drop of vino... not for me - but that again added to the atmosphere.... Out on the roads the course was point-to-point, or more accurately, chateau-to-chateau! The course wound its way through or past about 50 of these Chateaux, and if driving along them was great, running through them and through their vineyards was unforgettable.... My own favorite was Beychevelle, which had fields of grapes rolling down to the Gironde and a magnificent chateau which had loud classical music playing in the grounds.... Fab! Running through vineyards has it drawbacks: The course was very hilly, at least that was the impression I got... and a lot of it was over dirt or gravel tracks... but the open fields and support at each chateau compensated more than enough. A lot of the bigger wineries had glasses and bottles out and a lot of runners were stopping to sample some tipple. I really couldn't face this but was such good fun to see people running up, grabbing a glass of Medoc's finest, downing it in one, and running on.... No throwing of glasses on the ground here!! Other notable additions were buckets filled with water and sponges in the later stages, a lot of live music on route, a lot of fruit and raisins at the ahateaux, and not forgetting oysters and beef around 38KMs! The finish in Paulliac was very nicely done with the last 100M on a red carpet and plenty of support! A really nice touch was a bottle of wine in a wooden case for all finishers! So - impossible to properly justify how much fun and enjoyment this race was... but suffice it to say I hope to make it an annual trip!

Great marathon! Gently rolling hills, wonderful sights, and plenty of partying! Don't plan on a personal record on this one - it can be very crowded for the first several km and of course there's the wine, costumes, entertainment, and snack tables. Wonderful spectators, quite a place to sightsee - and that's just the other runners! Costumes and contraptions can get in your way, but everyone seems to take it in stride. Great medal, lots of goodies at the end, but they're pretty serious about closing down the finish line close to 6:30 hours!! Once they close the gate, you'll have a devil of a time trying to talk them out of your medal, bag, wine and other stuff. So, don't play so long that you miss the finish!

I can recommend this marathon to everybody who likes a pleasant day out and sightseeing plenty of 'chateaux'. The organizers and the crowd were very friendly, and there was more than enough water and wine on the whole course.

This race (one must use this term VERY loosely when speaking of Medoc)is absolutely the most fun you can have at a marathon. It's just one giant party for 26.2 miles. The start is the most fun because you see everyone in costume and not yet exhausted or drunk or both. We didn't drink during the race (OK maybe a couple of sips) but to see people at mile 20 sipping red wine, laughing and not worrying about the clock was an amazing sight. The French people were wonderful (even after they learned we were American). Go if you can but be warned that you'll never do another marathon that will even come close in entertainment value. -dh

Not a place to go hunting for a PR or if you don't like red wine (even if you don't plan to drink any during the race itself). The thing is just one big mobile party. The spectators, staff, and other runners are great. Plenty of wine and water stops along the way. Course is pretty darned flat.

Hola!!! This is Alejandra. I'm from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Last year I ran this marathon. I ran my best time - 4:45 hrs!! But, I also danced, ate some oysters for energy and, of course, drank wine and more wine in many chateaus. It was a great experience that I will never forget. I recommend this marathon 100%. Regards, Ale The Runner

When I describe my experience at this marathon the first thought that comes to mind is how incredibly hospitable and warm the people were - from the organizers to the spectators. Then my thoughts turn to the focus on everyone having an outrageously good time. What a party, I can't wait to run it again.

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.