Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc
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Sep 4, 2027
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The Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc, known as the Marathon du Médoc, is a marathon through the vineyards of the Médoc in Gironde, France, run on a Saturday in early September and famous for its fancy-dress theme and wine tasting stops. The 40th edition took place on Saturday 5 September 2026 and the 41st is set for Saturday 4 September 2027, with the theme 'Expédition Médoc, à la conquête du Monde !'. The marathon starts at 9:30 from Pauillac and runs as a single loop through more than 50 châteaux in the Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe and Haut-Médoc appellations, finishing in Pauillac; about 30% of the course is on gravel paths. According to the organisers the route has 22 aid stations, around twenty oeno-sporting tests where runners taste grands crus in moderation, and 55 entertainment and tasting points. The time limit is 6 hours 30 minutes. The field is deliberately limited to 8,500 runners. The race was created in 1984 by marathon-loving friends together with the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc, and the first edition was run on 14 September 1985. Winners traditionally receive their weight in Médoc grands crus rather than prize money.
Typical climate for the race month — an estimate, not a forecast or a race-day record
Early September in the Médoc is warm and mostly pleasant: average highs are about 24°C and lows about 13°C, with rain of 1 mm or more on around nine days of the month. The 9:30 start can already be warm by the second half.
The Race
Pauillac
The Médoc marathon was created in 1984 by friends who loved marathons together with the Commanderie du Bontemps de Médoc, a wine brotherhood. Its first edition was run on 14 September 1985 through the vineyards of Pauillac. The organisers still limit the field to 8,500 and say the race rests on four pillars: health, sport, conviviality and celebration.
Instead of cash, winners of the Marathon du Médoc traditionally receive their weight in Médoc grands crus. Runners come in costume to a different theme each year, such as the 1980s for the 40th edition in 2026, and take wine, oysters and entrecôte at stops on the way.
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