Every year at the beginning of September, the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc takes place in one of France’s most prestigious vineyards. It is also known as the longest marathon in the world. Not necessarily the longest in terms of distance, as this is a proper marathon of 42,195 km, but more in terms of time. While the disguised runners navigate through the appellations of Pauillac, Saint-Julien, Saint-Estèphe, Médoc, and Haut-Médoc, about twenty renowned wine estates open their doors for the happy bunch. It’s a joyful occasion filled with tastings, cheers and music, hence the extra time needed to finish the race. But mind you, despite the flowing wine, it still is a legitimate marathon!
La Mer
A couple of years ago, a friend of mine mentioned that she had run the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc and found it to be heaps of fun. Her enthusiasm inspired me to want to participate someday. However, tickets are quite difficult to obtain. So when my friend told me she had bought three tickets and invited me to join her and another friend, I didn’t hesitate. With the ticket secured, the next step was to decide on our costumes. The organisation encourages creativity, providing a yearly theme for participants. This year’s 39th edition was dedicated to ‘La Mer’, or ‘The Sea’. My friend suggested it would be a laugh to dress as a lobster and a crab. Thus, the three of us ran in fishy style through renowned estates like Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Latour and Château Margaux, to name a few.
Château Phélan-Ségur
I didn’t realise how big the event was until I started to get the first emails. The program kicked off the day before with a big pasta party at one of the participating castles. Instead, my friends and I opted for a fancy tasting and lunch at Château Phélan-Ségur in Saint-Estèphe. They were also participating in the marathon. The general director, Véronique Dausse, who sat at our table, mentioned that they were at the 32nd kilometre. If we could make it there, we could definitely finish the entire marathon… After lunch, we picked up our bibs in Pauillac before heading back to Bordeaux, where we were staying. The next morning, a bus would leave from the city centre to Pauillac at 06h30, so we needed a good night’s sleep.
Dancing Sailors and Flying Mermaids
On marathon day, we boarded the bus to arrive in Pauillac well before the race began at 09h30 sharp. While waiting for the starting signal, the atmosphere was lively with dancing sailors and flying mermaids. I was amazed by all the incredibly dressed athletes. SpongeBob, Baywatch, sailors, jellyfish, a giant octopus, and entire boats surrounded us. When we finally started, the excitement propelled us forward, and the first ten kilometres flew by. Every two kilometres or so, there was a stop at a wine estate. Here you could taste some wine (in moderation, of course). I abstained to maintain my stamina, though. After all, there was a marathon to run and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to keep going otherwise… But luckily, there was also plenty of water and sweet and salty snacks to keep me going.
Well-Earned Medal
Although the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc is one big celebration, the distance must be completed in 6.5 hours. As soon as you saw the ‘voiture-balai’, or broom wagon, you had to be careful. Before the broom wagon, you were still in the race, but if it overtook you, it was game over. Anyway, from the 15th kilometre onwards, it got tough, and I still had at least 25 to go… Passing a few more châteaux, including more water, entrecôte, oysters, and ice cream, I pushed through. I still don’t know how I managed it, but I finally crossed the finish line, well behind my friends. On this September the 6th, the temperature soared to 31 degrees, which made the race extra tough. Especially while dressed as a crab! That’s why I think we were given a little more time. Because I got a well-earned medal too, after a whopping 7 hours!
