If there’s one thing I know about Londoners, it’s that we’re a dichotomy. We love to drink, but we love to stay healthy. Our parks are as filled as our pubs, and sometimes we don’t want to choose between the two.
Well look no further folks, ‘cause now you don’t have to.
Welcome to the Marathon du Medoc, France’s first and foremost drinking run. If you like to combine your marathon with a fine Merlot, you’re in for a treat, as this 26 mile course winds around some of Bordeaux’s finest vineyards.
If you’re ready for your next fitness challenge – perhaps you’ve been keeping fit with Felix’s Elle Linton and hanker for further glory – then this is the perfect step. Sure its an actual bonafide marathon, but it’s called the longest in the world for a reason.
This isn’t the kind of run where you’re racing to beat your record. Frankly unless you train with regular alcohol stops, you’ll never do it. Plus after the first ten glasses, your path tends to meander a little…
The Route
The actual marathon takes place in a village called Pauillac, a little known name that houses some seriously big ones. It’s home to Chateaus Lafite, Rothschild and Latour, some of the world’s most famous and expensive wines.
Pauillac sits on the estuary of the Gironde River, just north of Bordeaux. For those not up on French geography, Bordeaux is near the middle of the west coast. Obviously Bordeaux is known for it’s wine, but the city itself is beautiful and well worth visiting during your trip.
The 26 mile run snakes through Pauillac’s elite vineyards, with a stop every mile or so to refuel at each chateau. The chateaus do not hold back – you’ll be watered with wine from Rothschild themselves as you gaze in gasp from both exhaustion and awe. It’s simply one of the most beautiful marathons.
The Run
Each stop comes with food too, from tender beef and ice lollies near the blissful end, to more energy-filled bites of cake, cheese and fruit at the beginning. Naturally wines of all styles are handed out and grabbed with all the urgency and excitement of free samples at London stations. There’s also music, dancing and acrobatics along the way.
If you’re not sure you can handle the whole thing, there’s an option halfway to bow out with grace and take a short route back to the beginning. Otherwise, you’ll end up back where you started, with a lot more blood, sweat and tears involved.
There are two important things to remember, outside of comfortable running gear. One is that the Medoc is fancy dress. There’s a new theme each year and people go all out. You’ll find people carrying entire bar’s between their teams, cheese boards, entire speaker systems… They’ll make you feel inadequate in your attempt, but if you’re not a seasoned marathon runner, dress small and cool.
The other is that this area is surprisingly hot. It’s one of the hottest places in France, despite not being a mediterranean beach. Vineyards are not famed for their shade – the short vines do nothing to protect you from the heat. Bring copious amounts of suncream: it’s tough enough without worrying what 32 degrees of blinding sun is doing to your skin.
The Before and After
There are hilariously French dinners and dances the day before and after the run. They have what can only be described as the best pop and dance music 1990’s Europe has to offer. You can buy your race place with or without these included, its up to you. They’re like revisiting your primary school disco without knowing any songs…
If not, there’s plenty of other options around. If you’re willing to truly celebrate in style, there are award-winning and Michelin starred restaurants in Bordeaux and beyond. And maybe, just maybe, you can enjoy another glass or two: because let’s face it, after 26 miles, you’ve earned every drop.
Places sell out fast for the Marathon du Medoc. Registration opens in March, so keep an eye out and book ASAP.
The post The Actual Drinking Marathon: Take Part in France’s Marathon du Medoc appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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