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Marathon Du Medoc
- Sapphire Running Team
- Jul 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
The Marathon du Medoc has something of a legendary status in the running world
We love unique events and this is most definitely unique. This single loop course is run through the vineyards of Bordeaux past wineries as Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Lynch-Bages, Pichon Longueville and many others, along with more than 50 chateaux.and then there's the wine available en route and the ice cream and the oysters and the steak...
The Destination
Located an hour from Bordeaux in southwestern France is the wine-producing region of Médoc. It's special for a number of reasons and one of them is that it hosts one of the most bizarre marathons on the international calendar. Wine is most definitely the theme.
The Médoc is perfect for wine production, and virtually all the vineyards of Médoc were planted by 1760. As well as its gorgeous vineyards the area is known for its coastal lagoons, sand dunes and pine forests. Its four main settlements are the villages of Pauillac, where the marathon starts and finishes, Margaux, Saint-Estephe and Saint-Julien. There are around 16,000 hectares (39,500 acres) of vineyards within the wider Médoc region, including the various smaller appellations. You don't go far here without coming across a vineyard.
Medoc is an area of more than 50 miles and is a peninsula stretching from Bordeaux to Pointe de Grave. Its well drained soils are perfect for grapes such as cabernet sauvignon and petit verdot, although it's the former that dominates. There are some pretty big wine producing names here like Lafite-Rothschild, Latour, Margaux, Mouton-Rothschild, as well as fifty-six others from the area that are included in the famous “Liste des Grands Crus Classés en 1855”, the (Great Growth Classification of 1855).
There's plenty to see and do if you need a break from all the wine. Known as the green lung of the Medoc, Les Landes, where the sea meets the forest, offers sandy paths and cycle tracks run beneath your feet for a relaxing walk or bike ride or there's Vertheuil Abbey (L’abbaye de Vertheuil) and its abbey church, a must-see in the Médoc. Founded in the 11th century by William VIII of Aquitaine, the first construction was home to a community of Augustinian monks. It had to be rebuilt following several destructive episodes, particularly during the Hundred Years War. For some maritime history head to the Cordouan lighthouse (Le phare de Cordouan). Listed as a historical monument, it stands off the coast of the communes of Verdon-sur-Mer and Royan and can be reached by boat, so you will have to plan your visit according to the tides. At the top of its 311 steps, you can enjoy a 360° view, as beautiful as it is evocative of the past.
As you'd expect, the local cuisine is exceptional. The local markets are a great place to start and the restaurants at the chateaux are unforgettable.
History of the Marathon Du Medoc
Created in 1984 by a group of passionate marathon fans, the marathon nicknamed the “Medoc” has become a must for many marathon runners over the years. It was first held in 1985 and soon reached its capacity of 8,500 runners. It now sells out very, very quickly as a result of this limited capacity. It was built on 4 fundamental pillars : Health – Sport – Conviviality – Fun.
Race Organiser
The event is organised by the AMCM Organisation, a not for profit company. It's a volunteer group, with a team of 90, and on race day there are 2,800 volunteers.
When is the Marathon Du Medoc?
The race is held annually in September (on a Saturday)
Distances
Marathon
Is there an Expo?
Bibs are collected from the Expo Village on the Friday before the race, which is held on Saturday.
How many runners?
8,500
The course
The Medoc Marathon starts at 9.30 from Pauillac, but be warned, most runners are in fancy dress costumes so if you're one of the few that isn't you might get a strange look. There is even a section of their website where you can order a costume. Most runners take one of the shuttle buses provided by the race, but they leave early so be prepared. It's known as"the longest marathon in the world" because of everything that's going on during the race. There are musical breaks with 23 orchestras scattered around the course, wine tasting, oysters, and steak!
The circuit crosses 59 vineyards and chateaux of Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Médoc and Haut-Médoc, beginning and ending in Pauillac. The marathon, known internationally, is famous for its festive atmosphere. There's Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Lynch-Bages, Pichon Lonqueville, and Beychevelles among others.
Pauillac, the largest town in the Medoc, is home to 5,000 locals and there couldn't be a more charming place to host a marathon. The start is organised, but chaotic at the same time with thousands of Wonderwomen, Spidermen, and a myriad of others all itching to get to the first wine tasting. The course is essentially two halfs and at the end of the southern first half you're pretty much back in Pauillac, before doing the second half which is north of the town.
Heading southwest the first stop is after 2 miles at Chateau Grand Puy Lacoste, where croissants are available. It's busy here, but definitely worth the wait. Shortly after it's the first of the wine stops, Chateau Larose Trintaudon, followed by Chateau Belgrave and then Chateau Lagrange at the 6m (10km) mark. There's a lot of wine, but also plenty of water and lots of food as well, including bananas and pastries. It's then onto Chateau Gruaud-Larose, Chateau Beychevelle, Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou and Chateau Leoville Las Cases before the ten mile marker (just past 15km). There aren't all serving wine, and all have plenty of food and water available.
Heading north now towards Pauillac and past Saint-Julien. Almost every acre of the Saint-Julien commune is covered with vines, except for a strip about 500 meters (1600ft) wide on the silted banks of the Gironde estuary to the east. The total vineyard area of the appellation covers approximately 900 hectares (2200 acres). The châteaux which own them can be split into two neat groups: those around the village of Saint-Julien-Beychevelle and those around the village of Beychevelle to the south. There are then three more wine stops before half way; Chateau Baron, Chateau Bellegrave and Chateau Lynch-Bages and then just before Pauillac is La Rose Pauillac.
That's a lot of wine in a five mile stretch, so hydration is key, especially if the temperatures are as high as they often are on the course. As the route now heads north there are two more stops before the big one just past 15 miles (25km), Chateau Lafite Rothschild. This is the one many runners are looking forward to and it is unlikely to disappoint. This stop may take a lot longer than many of the others! From here to Chateau Cos d’Estournel there is a significant hill, even more significant when you've been drinking wine for over two hours. Generally the course is flat, but this part definitely isn't.
There are three more wine stops before the 20 mile mark (32km) as the course continues to meander north, before it turns south at the stunning Chateau Phelan-Segur. With only five miles to go the wine does not stop flowing, but its effects are likely to be very obvious at this point. Onto Chateau Meyney and Chateau Montrose and then more food appears. There are oysters, followed by steaks, followed by cheese and then finally, ice cream.
And then it's back into Pauillac for more food and wine and plenty of entertainment at the Marathon village near the wine-culture-centre “Maison du Vin” is also open throughout the day and offers entertainment and regional specialities. In the evening the village of Pauillac puts on a Fireworks display. There is plenty going on in Pauillac for spectators too with shows and entertainment in the harbour area along the quays.
It's a remarkable day and counters everything any runner is ever taught about race day nutrition!
What's unique?
Pretty much everything! The vast majority run in fancy dress, there's wine at aid stations, along with oysters and steak. And all those vineyards. The list goes on!
Do charities benefit?
The organisers provide annual financial and logistical support to many local charities and some runners also raise funds for their own preferred charity.
Our verdict
The ultimate running party. One absolutely not to be missed. Just don't make sure you don't drink too much and leave the serious wine tasting until afterwards!
How to register
Online via the website. It's a first come first served registration process that opens in March, with no ballot and it usually sells out in a few hours.
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