From Brittany to Alsace: The most tempting refreshments at running races in France
Running is great, but it’s not everything. For some, the goal isn’t performance, but filling their bellies, enjoying a race punctuated by gourmet refreshment stations overflowing with savory and sweet local delicacies that are terribly tempting.
10K races, like marathons, are generally events where organizers favor traditional refreshments, such as fruit, bars, water, and isotonic drinks, rather than a “hearty” aperitif. However, not everyone runs to optimize their body’s performance. Some focus more on the pleasure of eating, enjoying a pasta party the night before, chips, all kinds of cheese (from “Kiri Goûter” at the Médoc marathon to the more refined mozzarella at the Pouilly Sancerre race), puff pastries, spreads, grapes, and homemade tartiflette after the run. Not to mention the little treats waiting at the finish line, which are always a hit. With a program like this, it’s no wonder that food lovers are licking their lips as they run, eager to treat their taste buds at each refreshment and hydration stop.
| Run and Cheers: run, toast, and do it again
Run and Cheers is the perfect concept for those who love putting on their sneakers as much as raising a glass and eating. Head to Isère in early September for this event where fun is just as important as effort. On the program: 6 km or 12 km (walking or running) for those who want to go at their own pace, or 24 km for trail running and beer lovers. Along the route and at the finish line, craft beers can be enjoyed without fuss, to the sound of music that gets everyone moving. The refreshments are a feast: goat cheese and bread, other cheeses, charcuterie, sweet treats (madeleines, candies), not to mention the classic bananas and apples. There’s something to satisfy foodies, runners in need of energy, and even non-drinkers, thanks to a wide range of sugary drinks to perk you up.
➔ All the information about Run and Cheers
| At the Beaujolais Marathon: Eating and drinking are mantras
TUC crackers and other appetizer biscuits, gingerbread, sausage, rosette, country ham, Emmental cheese, and of course wine to accompany it all: the refreshments at the Beaujolais Marathon are a real feast. On the sweet side, there are Haribo-style candies galore, chocolate, bananas, and other sweets to round out the offerings. There’s something to delight food lovers, locals and visitors alike, whether they’re running the marathon between Fleurie and Villefranche-sur-Saône, the half marathon, the 13 km Rhône race or one of the various trails. Emilia is ecstatic: “I’ve never seen refreshment stations like these before!”
➔ All the information about the Beaujolais Marathon
| Cognac Marathon: run… and savor the heart of the vineyards
In the heart of the vineyards and cellars of Cognac, local cuisine is at the service of runners. The route crosses the vineyards and is punctuated with refreshments worthy of feasts: a pasta party the night before, foie gras on toast like at Christmas, rosette and chorizo, cheese toasties along the route, tapas and local specialties in the village… All in a friendly atmosphere. On the sweet side, traditional oranges, chocolate, and marzipan can be enjoyed without moderation, while Cognac, of course, is to be savored by finishers of the marathon, half marathon, 10.5 km, or 5 km races.
➔ All the information about the Cognac Marathon
| Run to the rhythm of the flavors of the Opal Coast at the Marathon de la Mer
Every year in early May, the Opal Coast is transformed into a veritable paradise, with its warm and gastronomic spirit, where high-quality refreshments and regional products are distributed. Over 10 km, half marathon, or marathon distances, runners from AC Boulogne and elsewhere can combine effort with culinary pleasure, between sea, heritage, and nature. The refreshments are not limited to simple fruit or bars: here, you can enjoy oysters, salmon, sardines, as well as toast topped with smoked salmon or delicious spreads. And to wash it all down, there’s nothing like a cold beer. Of course, the classics are there too: oranges, chocolate, and other little treats to recharge your batteries between kilometers. David moored his boat in Boulogne-sur-Mer for the first time this year. “It was my 30th marathon, but the first time I had oysters at a refreshment station.” Alessia felt the same way: “With an abundance of seafood and a coastal route from Boulogne to Ambleteuse, this marathon definitely lives up to its name.”
➔ All the information about the Marathon de la Mer
| A leap into Breton tradition at the Finistère Marathon
Whether the 42.195 km are run as a duo or solo, it doesn’t matter. The Transléonarde, which always takes place at the end of June, alternates between trails and asphalt. The “legendary” seaside race between Plouescat and Guissény offers everyone the chance to enjoy Breton cake, crêpes, and cider, accompanied by music played by musicians who play the bombarde, a wind instrument native to Brittany. A pasta party kicks off the event on Saturday evening, a barbecue allows marathon finishers to recharge their batteries after crossing the finish line, and the post-race meal brings everyone together around a regional dish, the “Kig Ha Farz.”
➔ All the information about the Finistère Marathon – La Transléonarde
| The Alsace Wine Country Marathon, 100% local
At the Alsace Wine Country Marathon, they don’t mess around when it comes to food and wine refreshments: there are 22 stations along the entire marathon route, which means there’s a stop almost every 2 km. This generosity is a testament to the organization’s thoroughness and benefits both marathon runners and 10 km participants alike. The whole event takes place in an ultra-festive atmosphere, with carefully crafted food and wine pairings: savory Kougelhopf / Pinot Blanc, smoked ham / Pinot Noir, Mauricette / Muscat, Munster cheese / Gewurztraminer, Labkiechle / Gewurztraminer, Bredele / Crémant… A true culinary escape in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, driven by an approach that is as friendly as it is eco-friendly.
➔ All the information about the Alsace Wine Country Marathon
| Cheverny: a marathon in the heart of the countryside and tulips
The historic marathon starts in the heart of Cheverny Castle Park, adorned with 500,000 tulips and Easter decorations that almost make you want to slow down to enjoy the spectacle. On the menu: three loops, a rolling course, and a totally timeless atmosphere, plus a 10K and a half marathon, all starting and finishing in Cheverny. When it comes to refreshments, local produce takes center stage. Depending on the year, runners may come across goat’s cheese, game pâté, chocolate, biscuits, strawberries… Little gourmet breaks that smell of Sologne and local tradition.
➔ All the information about the Cheverny Marathon
| A marathon to savor the flavors of the Côte Chalonnaise
At the Côte Chalonnaise Marathon, the refreshment stations are not just a stop, they are a veritable gourmet tour. With Burgundy specialties a must, the tables are overflowing with savory and generous dishes at the marathon, but also at the half-marathon, 12 km, and 8 km races: eggs in red wine sauce, escargots with garlic cream, beef bourguignon, gougères, parsley ham, andouillette, gingerbread, Charolais beef à la plancha, onion soup… The CIFA Jean Lameloise in Mercurey and the agricultural college in Fontaines are in charge: eight refreshment stations every 5 km and 17 festive stops prepared with great care. The classic bananas and dried fruit are there, while food lovers can treat themselves to a real feast. To drink, there is water, blackcurrant syrup, and wines from the Côte Chalonnaise appellations (Givry, Mercurey, Rully, Montagny, Crémant de Bourgogne, not to mention Verveine de la Madeleine). A marathon that smells of Burgundy and temptation at every kilometer.
➔ All the information about the Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon
| Bresse Dombes Marathon: when running meets local flavor
Launched in 2021, the event quickly established itself as a running event where people come as much to run as to enjoy themselves. Solo marathon, duo or four-person relay, half marathon, 10 km—there’s something for everyone, and above all, something to suit every taste. Local specialties reign supreme at the refreshment stations: carp rillettes, terrines, cheeses, charcuterie, and local products. “Incredible refreshments, an ultra-bucolic course… what more could you ask for!” enthuses Maxime, finisher of the 2025 edition.
➔ All the information about the Bresse Dombes Marathon
| Allirun & Fun: tartiflette as a reward for hard work in the Côtes-d’Armor region
The Allirun & Fun association is launching the very first edition of “Allirun & Saveurs” in mid-January, an event that promises to be a friendly affair. There’s no stopwatch and no pressure here: just a 5 or 10 km jog, depending on how you feel, to work up an appetite in a super relaxed atmosphere. At the finish line, it’s time for some real comfort food: a homemade tartiflette au gratin, followed by a homemade dessert to finish off in style. All washed down with good humor, laughter, and sharing between runners, friends, and families.
| Beer Marathon: stay hydrated so you don’t crack
Seventeen refreshment stops punctuate the MDB, providing an opportunity to discover the Loire department through tastings of craft beers brewed by regional producers. Of course, to keep you going, other snacks are also available to fill your water bottles: candy, chips, crepes… And that’s not all. For three days, participants can enjoy the Made in Loire trade show, as well as various organized festivities: a warm-up party, “The Place to Beer,” Brewers’ Night, and more.
➔ All the information about the Beer Marathon
| The Chablis Marathon, where athletes rise to the challenge with a glass in hand
Eleven refreshment stations are dotted along the route, offering pâté en croûte, a variety of cheeses (sometimes served in bread rolls), fruit, and chocolate. In addition to the 42.195 km marathon, there are also shorter distances to challenge yourself, while filling your belly and expanding your liver with glasses of fine wine.
➔ All the information about the Chablis Marathon
| The Blaye Wine Marathon, a generously watered race
As its name suggests, wine takes center stage at this event in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, with tastings offering delicate flavors. Before setting off on the challenge, a pasta party is held on Friday evening. During the race, a variety of cheeses, fruits, and other delicious treats help keep up the pace. And after the race, a meal tray is served to those who wish to partake: mixed salad, glass of white wine, glass of red wine, bottle of water, oysters, packet of chips, and cookie make up the snack. A festive evening brings the day to a wonderful close.
➔ All the information about the Blaye Wine Marathon
Finally, Brittany stands out for its races where you can run while enjoying delicious food, but other regions also know how to showcase their local flavors. Some of these events are part of Les Festiviales, the Jean-Paul Belingar Challenge of Conviviality, which brings together 21 races with a local flavor, for all those who love to run and have fun. The races on offer provide a real taste experience before, during, and after the effort.
➜ Check out the marathon calendar
Sabine LOEB
Journalist
03/02/2026
19/01/2026
19/01/2026