Marathon du Médoc
The Lowdown
The Marathon du Médoc is not just a race – it's a rolling wine-country carnival. The 26.2-mile route meanders through 50+ renowned vineyards and châteaux of the Médoc region north of Bordeaux. Runners traverse scenic roads amid endless vineyards, often on estate grounds, passing names like Château Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The terrain is mostly flat and paved, with some sections on gravel vineyard paths. This is a marathon to be savored: instead of the usual water-and-gels fare, aid stations here offer local wines, cheeses, oysters, and other delicacies. Don't be surprised if a volunteer asks "Rouge ou blanc?" (red or white?) as you approach an aid table. In fact, many participants stop at nearly every château to sample the offerings. The course is roughly a loop starting and ending in Pauillac, with views of the Gironde estuary and countless vineyards in between.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
Château Lynch-Bages
Iconic Pauillac grand cru where runners pass alongside historic vines and the château's 19th-century façade
Château Mouton Rothschild
World-famous estate noted for its château and vineyard, featured along the scenic vineyard-lined course
Château Pichon Longueville (Pichon Baron)
Elegant 18th-century château with expansive grounds visible from the race route
Château Lafite Rothschild
Renowned premier cru vineyard offering sweeping views of rows of vines and estate architecture
Château Latour
Stately Pauillac fortress-château overlooking the Gironde estuary, a striking landmark on the route
Gironde estuary viewpoints
Sections of the course run near the riverbank, providing wide estuary vistas and sea-breeze exposure
Pauillac town center and Église Saint-Martin
The race weaves through the town center, passing the port area and the historic Saint-Martin church
Pauillac, France
FR
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Minimum age 20 on race day (born before 5 September 2006)
- Valid Health Prevention Pass (PPS) dated within 12 months prior to the race (after September 6, 2025)
- Completed online registration and payment prior to the registration deadline
- Presentation of official ID and race confirmation at bib collection
- Agreement to and compliance with the event rules and the organiser's safety instructions
- Ability to complete the marathon within the event cutoff time (approximately 6 hours 30 minutes)
Required Documents
- Health Prevention Pass (PPS) valid within one year of the event (after September 6, 2025)
Entry Methods
- Online registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Cancellation Package: For an additional fee of 13€, participants can opt for a cancellation package at the time of registration.
Group Registration: Runners have 7 days to enter personal information for each runner after booking bibs; unassigned spots result in a €13 fee.
For all-inclusive packages contact: marathon@agencetuttiquanti.com
The race is famous for runners in elaborate costumes and more than 20 wine-tasting stations and food stops (including oysters, cheese and steak) along the vineyard-lined course past dozens of historic châteaux.
Unlike most marathons, many aid stations offer small wine samples in addition to water and sports drinks, and there are live bands and entertainment every few kilometers creating a festival atmosphere.
Race weekend includes an Expo and a pre-race pasta dinner on Saturday, and all finishers receive a commemorative medal and a technical finisher shirt.
Logistics tip: parking in Pauillac is limited on race day so use the event shuttles or public transport; aid stations are roughly every 2–3 km and the course is generally flat to gently rolling through the Médoc wine region.
2026 marks the 40th edition of the Marathon du Médoc.
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