The Marathon du Médoc
Think about something crazy.
Conor McGregor retires…and stays retired? Think crazier.
A Noah Anderson Brownlow? That’s not even crazy.
The Seahawks winning the Super Bowl? Okay that’s probably one step too far.
This September, I’m heading to France to compete in the craziest race on the planet. It’s called the Marathon du Médoc – a 42.2km run through Bordeaux and its internationally renowned vineyards.
Like any good race, there are plenty of drinking stations – but they’re not the kind that keep you standing! Médoc features 20+ wine stops, offering reds, whites, rosés, and even the odd grand cru. Along the course, you’re also fed a menu of French delicacies like ice cream, oysters, cheese and steak.
Under something called “Médoc Law”, you are required to run in costume, with each year having a theme. In the past, these have ranged from ‘Gastronomy’ to ‘Superheros’ but 2025’s is ‘The Sea’ so like any good Aussies, my friends and I are going as surf life savers.
The race still wouldn’t be crazy enough if it were only 42.2km, with wine, and in costume…so of course the French make a weekend of it, Friday to Sunday. And I’m doing all of it.
Friday, Marathon Eve, kicks off with the legendary “Pasta Party” – the ultimate carb-load. I’ve heard on the grapevine (*cheeky pun*) that various wines are set to make guest appearances, so it seems that I will be doing pres for a marathon. That can’t be good…
Saturday starts with a fashion show and live music before the race, and ends with an awards ceremony, fireworks, and a dance party that wraps up around 1:00am. Then, just as the regrets and hangover start to sink in, Sunday brings the recovery walk and celebratory lunch – a fitting finale to the craziest race on earth.
Funnily enough, the Marathon du Médoc will be my first ever marathon. I’ve only just started training, and I must admit that it is a difficult race to prepare for. Am I supposed to taking a shot every few kilometres?
Regardless of my preparation, I will be relying heavily on confidence and team spirit to get me to the finish line. The race’s cut-off time is 6 hours & 30 minutes – but with wine on the course, I don’t plan on rushing. After all, runners can choose whether to sip or skip, and I am no quitter. My prizes for finishing will be a medal, and naturally, a bottle of Médoc wine.
Ultimately, the Marathon du Médoc is a true celebration of culture and community. It brings together runners from all over the globe, sells out every year, and winds through over 50 châteaux. Locals even dress up and decorate their villages to match the year’s theme!
It’s often called the “longest marathon in the world”, and I can’t wait to soak up every second of it.
