ABOVE: Competitors run through glorious vineyards

Marathon du Médoc

If you live in France and love the food and the wine, you face a big dilemma; do you cut back on the gâteaux, forego the foie gras and wave away the wine? Or do you watch your waistline expand as you pile on the pounds? Luckily, there is an alternative – and it’s something anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can take part in, provided they have done some training. It’s a case of having your cake and eating it too. So, what’s the answer? Running the Marathon du Médoc.

Billed as the longest marathon in the world, thanks to the numerous dégustation stops en-route, the September event is now into its 24th year. Started by a bunch of marathonrunning wine-enthusiast medics back in the 1980s, it still involves a medical conference the day before the race. But what makes this event so special is the very ‘French-ness’ of the race and the emphasis on fun. As the organisers say: “If you believe sport is synonymous with health, fun and conviviality, then this marathon is for you. Spoilsports, thugs and record seekers are not invited!”

Enticed by the prospect of a run through the spectacular Médoc country side, the chance to taste wines from estates such as Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Marquis de Saint- Estèphe, as well as the opportunity to sample some of the region’s great foods, I hurriedly filled out my marathon application form.

Read the full article on pages 70-74 of this months issue.

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