This French marathon has tasting stops at 23 wineries

Forget PBs, this race through Bordeaux’s vineyards comes with 23 wine stops, gourmet food and zero pressure to finish fast.

Every September, thousands of runners lace up their sneakers – and don outrageous costumes – for what might just be the most French marathon on earth: the Marathon du Médoc, a 42.2-kilometre race through the famed vineyards of Bordeaux. But forget personal bests and negative splits, this is a marathon with 23 wine stops, oysters on the route and more cheese than a Parisian picnic.

A race through wine country

This one-of-a-kind event winds through over 50 châteaux. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Set in the Médoc region of southwestern France, this one-of-a-kind event winds through over 50 châteaux and picturesque villages, with scenic vines as far as the eye can see. But the main draw isn’t just the postcard-perfect views, it’s the 23 official wine tastings along the course. Every few kilometres, runners can slow down and sip vintages from some of the most iconic winemakers in Bordeaux. Yes, during the marathon.

Costumes aren’t optional – they’re mandatory

Costumes pair perfectly with the Marathon du Médoc. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Adding to the festival feel, all participants must run in fancy dress, and the themes change annually. The 2025 theme is “The Sea”. Past events have seen thousands of runners dressed as everything from Ronald McDonald and The Mask to wine bottles and caviar. If you’ve ever wanted to run 42.2 kilometres dressed as a baguette, this is your moment.

Oysters, cheese and ice cream… mid-race

Stop in for some gourmet snacks. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Wine might be the star of the show, but it’s not the only thing on offer. Gourmet snacks are handed out like water cups – think oysters, steak, cheese, pastries and even ice cream. In true French fashion, fuelling the race means indulging, not carb-loading.

No rush to the finish

Runners have 6.5 hours to finish. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

While technically a marathon, the Médoc is anything but high-pressure. With a generous cut-off time of six-and-a-half hours, most runners treat it like a rolling festival rather than a race. Many take their time to enjoy the wine stops, food stations, music and spontaneous dancing.

A cult classic for runners and revellers

It’s easy to see the appeal of the marathon. (Image: Yves Mainguy)

Now more than 30 years old, the Médoc Marathon has earned cult status among the global running community. It’s become a bucket-list race for those who want to combine fitness with French flair, and it’s easy to see why.

Registrations are no longer open for the 2025 Médoc Marathon, but it’s a good time to start planning your 2026 run.

From the château backdrops to the wine-fuelled revelry, it’s less about the finish line and more about soaking up the experience (and the wine).