Did you know...
We're in the Gironde
The département of Gironde forms part of the Aquitaine region in south west France and is famous worldwide for its wine and for its beautiful Atlantic coastline.
Our weather
The weather is fantastic and the region enjoys almost as much sunshine as the Côte d'Azur. The summers are long and hot and the winters are mild. You can usually still have lunch outside in early November and be back at your garden table in February, when there are often some lovely warm days!
Marathon du Médoc
26 Miles of Wine Tasting Marathon!
The Marathon du Médoc is not about how fast you run, it's about fun, food, festivities, friends, and fine wines along the way. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Medoc region, with a single loop that reads more like a wine list than a race course: Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Lynch-Bages, Pichon Lonqueville, Beychevelles. Add to that the party atmosphere with around 90% of the runners wearing fancy dress.
However, despite the emphasis on fun, and the gastronomic and viticultural aspects of the race, the "Médoc" is nonetheless a real Marathon – 26.2 miles or 42.195 km measured officially. The record for the race is held by Sacha LOTOV in 2 hours 19'20" (1992) and Josiane LLADO in 2 hours 38'34" (1999). The record for the number of wins is held by Philippe REMOND (9 wins). Nevertheless, record breaking is low down the list of this marathon’s objectives. It describes itself as the longest, i.e. slowest marathon in the world. The registration form explicitly discourages entries from individuals obsessed with speed records or trophy hunters. Unlike other marathons, which typically reward the fastest finishers with certificates or trophies, this one presents the winner with their body weight in wine and gives you a medal if you cross the finish line within six and a half hours.
If you believe sport is synonymous with health, fun and conviviality then this marathon is for you. Spoilsports, and record seekers are not invited!
Fun fun fun: - The day before the Marathon with the famous Centipede evening in a Medoc chateau for 1,450 guests - The day of the Marathon, with the show before the departure, the events during the race with over 90% of runners in disguise, some 52 other events alongside the race, 22 refreshment stands, 21 food stands and special gourmet stands (oysters, ham, steak, cheese, ice cream, Medoc attic, etc.) and the presence of hundreds of disguised and delighted school children. Fun in the evening after the marathon with a huge ball open to all, a fireworks display and a Marathon village vibrating to the sound of numerous bands and full of appetizing restaurants. Fun the day after the Marathon with the famous recovery walk open to 4,000 walkers, runners, companions, volunteers and a mountain bike ride through the Moulis wine region. Fun finally for VIPs, partners and the press with a special reception area and village overlooking the finish line.
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. The "Medoc" is a marathon you just must have run like New York, London or Paris.
Once over the finish line each runner is rewarded with a large number of gifts; tee-shirt, medal, sports bag, bottle of Medoc wine, surprise gifts, art print, refreshments etc. The conviviality of this marathon also comes from the warm welcome and availability of the locals and volunteers who look forward to this event throughout the year.
If you're looking for accommodation, or help for this race contact us. We're only 1 traffic free kilometer from the start.