Top 3 Wine Marathons

Every year, tens of thousands of runners gather for the Paris Marathon. We, on the other hand, invite you to discover a different kind of marathon right in the heart of our vineyards. 3, 2, 1… Ready, set, go for three wine marathons!

The Blaye Wine Marathon

With the slogan “Run to your heart’s content,” the Blaye Wine Marathon offers a delightful blend of sports and wine tourism. First held in 2004, the event returns in early May for its thirteenth edition in the heart of the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux vineyards.

Beyond the race itself, the event owes its success to its friendly and festive atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to get creative by dressing up in their best costumes. Accompanied by a variety of musical performances, runners will be able to admire the region’s landscapes, its many castles, and, of course, the Citadel of Blaye, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the route, participants can look forward to numerous food and drink stations to refuel. The happy marathoners can keep the party going late into the night and enjoy a final stroll through the vineyards the next morning. For those who want to soak up the atmosphere without running the marathon, the organizers also offer a 10-kilometer route through the vineyards.

Our take: For once, the Bordeaux region has surprised us with a unique wine-tasting tour. This event is sure to delight wine lovers as well as athletes looking for a new challenge.

Practical information:
Date: May
Location: Blaye, Gironde
Learn more: www.marathondesvinsdeblaye.com

The Alsace Vineyard Marathon

As summer vacation approaches, the vineyards of Alsace invite us to the most festive event of June. Since 2005, the Alsace Wine Marathon has tastefully combined sports, celebration, and the rich heritage of Alsace.

To motivate the runners, the organizers of the Alsace Vineyard Marathon have a few tricks up their sleeves. In addition to the standard sports refreshments, runners will be able to enjoy numerous food and wine stops where they can sample the famous pretzel paired with crisp Sylvaner, the delicious kougelhopf accompanied by Pinot Blanc with its subtle fruity notes, or the famous sauerkraut paired with the liveliness of Riesling.

To delight participants of all ages, a variety of events are on offer: the marathon, the half-marathon, the 10K, the kids’ race, and the “Walk for the Heart” to benefit an organ donation charity. In addition to the race, participants can also enjoy the activities at the “Marathon Village,” the festive atmosphere of the “Spaëtzle Party,” and the many surprises planned for the occasion.

Our take: With its rich heritage, local specialties, and traditions, theAlsace wine region promises to delight visitors of all ages at this major summer event!

Practical information:
Dates: June
Location: Molsheim, Bas-Rhin
Learn more: www.marathon-alsace.com

The Médoc Marathon

Back in the Bordeaux region, the start of the new school year in September heralds a new edition of the Médoc Marathon. Considered the longest marathon in the world, this event brings together thousands of runners from around the globe every year.

With a theme of “tales and legends,” the 32nd edition calls on the imagination of the competitors for a race that is already shaping up to be historic and legendary. Dressed in their finest attire, participants will run through the vineyards of the famous appellations of Pauillac, Médoc, Haut-Médoc, and Saint-Estèphe. Alongside the race, numerous events will be organized, blending camaraderie and celebration with sports and wellness: a sports medicine symposium, evenings at the châteaux, tastings of regional specialties, and many other surprises!

Our take: Perfect for extending the summer vacation, this event invites runners to embark on a wonderful journey through the world of “fairy tales and legends” and the region’s vineyards.

Practical information:
Date: September
Location: Pauillac, Gironde
Learn more: www.marathondumedoc.com