Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc
The Marathon du Médoc is not just a race – it’s a rolling wine-country carnival. The 26.2-mile route meanders through 50+ renowned vineyards and châteaux of the Médoc region north of Bordeaux. Runners traverse scenic roads amid endless vineyards, often on estate grounds, passing names like Château Lafite-Rothschild and Mouton Rothschild. The terrain is mostly flat and paved, with some sections on gravel vineyard paths. This is a marathon to be savored: instead of the usual water-and-gels fare, aid stations here offer local wines, cheeses, oysters, and other delicacies! Don’t be surprised if a volunteer asks “Rouge ou blanc?” (red or white?) as you approach an aid table. In fact, many participants stop at nearly every château to sample the offerings. The course is roughly a loop starting and ending in Pauillac, with views of the Gironde estuary and countless vineyards in between. Scenic highlights include running through rows of vines, under château gates, and alongside 18th-century winery buildings – truly a feast for the eyes (and palate).
Elevation Details
- Total Elevation Gain:215
Notable Landmarks
- Château Lafite Rothschild
- Château Mouton Rothschild
- Gironde Estuary
Location Details
Estimated Hotel Cost
185 USD per night
Race Requirements
Eligibility
Participants must be born before September 6, 2005
Required Documents
Medical certificate
Entry Methods
Online registration
Cancellation Package: For an additional fee of 13€, participants can opt for a cancellation package at the time of registration. This package ensures a refund of the registration fee (excluding supplementary benefits) in cases such as serious illness, injury, accident, or family bereavement.
Redemption of Race Numbers: Participants who wish to cancel without the cancellation package can have their race numbers redeemed by the organization for 87€. The deadline for this redemption is June 30, 2025. After this date, refunds or redemptions are not available unless the cancellation package has been purchased.
To initiate a cancellation or redemption, participants must contact the organization via the provided email address (dossard@marathondumedoc.com) and submit the necessary documentation before the specified deadlines.
The entry fee (~€100 for just the bib) might seem high, but it includes all the wine, food, goodies, and an unforgettable experience. Various package deals (with pre-race dinner, post-race "Recovery Walk" through vineyards, etc.) are also offered
Médoc is often called “the longest marathon in the world” because it’s one big costume party where the goal is fun, not fast times. Each year has a theme – for 2025 it’s “La Mer” (The Sea)
he course closes strictly at 6h30m, so while that's a generous limit, keep an eye on the clock if you plan to stop at all 23 wine-tasting stops. It's wise to practice a run/walk strategy.
Each pack includes additional amenities such as pre-race dinners or post-race activities. Detailed information is available on the official website. Information on different packages:
Festive Pack : 128€, (bib + Patacaisses dinner), 10€ discount on the bib, (single menu not substitutable)
Pleasure Pack : 153€, (bib + Walk&Lunch), 10€ discount on the bib, (single menu not substitutable)
Initiation Pack : 153€, (bib + Mille Pates dinner), 10€ discount on the bib, (single menu not substitutable)
Prestige Pack : 211€, (bib + Mille Pates + Walk&Lunch), 15€ discount on the bib
- Standard Entry100 EUR
- Festive Pack128 EUR
- Pleasure Pack153 EUR
- Initiation Pack153 EUR
- Other211 EUR
- Race day2025-09-06
- Registration Opens2025-03-01
- Complete Health Prevention Course By2025-06-06