Marathon du Médoc

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.