If you can't imagine stepping out of the house and going for a run, the Marathon du Médoc tempts racegoers with booths filled with wine glasses and snacks. As runners make their way through countryside dotted with vineyards and chateaus, wine tasting stations dotted the course reward their efforts with a glass of local Bordeaux. Talk about encouragement.
Founded in 1984, Medoc has established itself in the world of the once-in-a-lifetime marathon. Every year, race organizers release a different motto for participants to interpret at will. From gastronomy to 'Make your Games' (French for 'Faits vos Jeux', a theme that pays homage to Paris hosting the 2024 Olympic Games), many runners of this unique race will arrive at the start of Pauillac in costume. Arrive.
Before the race begins, the city fills with tents and stalls selling wine and locally made cheese. Once runners start the course, the 42.2-mile race is lined with stations serving blue cheese, biscuits, oysters, chocolate fountains, charcuterie, steak, cake, and more. For marathon runners who are used to eating bananas and oranges, this is a dramatic departure from the norm.
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The first challenge is registration
Space at the Medoc Marathon is limited and races typically sell out quickly after registration opens. Organizers have capped entries at 8,500, and runners lucky enough to attend will also be able to attend a pre-race party and post-race celebration. The night before the race, a wine and pasta party is held at the chateau to get participants energized for the next day's activities. The night after the race, organizers plan music, fireworks and dancing to add to the festive spirit. The day after the race, runners visit a local vineyard and enjoy a final glass of wine to soothe their marathon fatigue.
Runners who reach the finish line will be rewarded with a bottle of Médoc, a surprise gift, and race gear like a t-shirt and medal to commemorate their achievement of running a long distance through the French vineyards. This kind of activity is sure to fill not only your stomach, but your social feeds too.
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