Marathon du Medoc 2024

Pauillac, France

Marathon du Medoc 2024: The World’s Craziest, Booze-Fueled Race

A drinking marathon, literally, is probably how to best describe the Marathon du Medoc. The only kind of sporting event in the world, Marathon du Medoc has been around since 1985 and now attracts almost 9,000 runners every September. The 26 mile race begins in the charming town of Pauillac, France and passes through picturesque villages with chateaus, countless vineyards, and finally ends up at the Gironde estuary.

Considering that the event is focused more on fun and drinking rather than all the pressures that come with your traditional marathon, everyone is free to join the Marathon du Medoc. Fresh oysters await you at the 38^th kilometer, and juicy steaks invite you to devour them at the 39^th kilometer.

The runners have an impressive dedication to picking out and making their costumes, so don’t stick out like a sore thumb and forego the outfit. Stick to the theme; for 2018 it will be ‘Amusement Park’. The prizes are just as insane as the marathon itself: the winning male and female will receive their weight’s worth of Medoc wines, a case of wines will be given to three winners from each category, and the best dressed runners will also be rewarded with an entire case of wine.

‘You can run, jog, or walk the course – or change your strategy depending on how many glasses of burgundy you’ve consumed.’

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Your experience at the Marathon du Medoc

Whether you love wine, running, both, or simply want to do something different while in France, the Marathon du Medoc should be on your itinerary.

What better, or crazier way, is there than going on a booze-fueled run (or watching it while downing your own wine) in Pauillac, one of the most renowned wine producing regions in Bordeaux.

This race is all about having the best time possible.

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Where to view Marathon du Medoc

The Marathon du Medoc will start and end in Pauillac. It will pass through the breathtaking vineyards and chateaus of Saint-Julien, Saint-Estephe, Medoc, and Haut-Medoc. Spectators can sit or stand anywhere in the course, and of course, indulge in the food and wine, too.

Be at the banks of the Pauillac at 4PM on race day to cheer on the winners of the race.

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How to get around Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a relatively big city but most of the best sights can be found in the city center. Due to the old and narrow nature of the streets, driving around isn’t recommended.

Most of the town center is considered a pedestrian area, making it safe and efficient to get around by foot. There are also bus networks, a tramway, electric bus, and bicycle rentals in Bordeaux.

Where to stay for Marathon du Medoc

Nearby campsites and hotels are available for spectators of the Marathon du Medoc. Budget hotels, as well as plush five-star luxury accommodation, can be found in downtown Bordeaux, the suburbs, and the Medoc area.

Head to the map below to see all the Airbnb deals in the area.

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Things to do in Bordeaux

What else do you do when you’re in what’s considered as the best wine region on earth? Drink wine, and lots of it! There are tons of great wine-tasting and wine-centered activities to indulge in while in Bordeaux.

When you aren’t too drunk or hungover, explore the historic, breathtaking sights. The city center itself, and half of Bordeaux, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The Place de la Bourse is quite a scene at dusk. Go to Triangle d’Or, which has more restaurants, bars, and pubs than you can go to in an entire year. If you’re feeling like some culture, there are excellent museums as well.

Do you enjoy drinking and running? Check out the Beer Lovers Marathon in Belgium.

Marathon du Medoc 2024 Dates

The next Medoc is will be happening on Saturday, September 7, 2024. 

Photo Credit: Marathon du Médoc