Wine Marathons: A Truly French Phenomenon

The International Beaujolais Marathon

© PhotoRunning / Morgan Bove

• Date: November

• Location: Villefranche-sur-Saône (Rhône), France

• Participants: 23,000

• Events: Marathon, half-marathon, relay marathon, Family Marathon, 13 km, trails 13 km, 21 km and 42 km, 6 km and 12 km solidarity hikes.

• This is THE legendary wine marathon! A true running festival, the Beaujolais Marathon is a celebration with costumes, entertainment, and tastings along the way, including the famous Marathon Night on Saturday after the race, Beaujolais Nouveau Party on Thursday night, pasta party on Friday night, and a wine tourism lunch on Sunday.

➜ Information and registration

The Médoc Marathon

© Yves Maingyuy

• Date: September

• Location: Pauillac (Gironde), France

• Participants: 8,500

• Events: Marathon

• This marathon winds through the Médoc vineyards with wine tastings and local specialties available throughout the course. A festive atmosphere with participants in costumes, fireworks, a dance party, a recovery walk, and a meal in a château’s garden.

➜ Information and registration

The Sale of Wines Hospices de Beaune Half-Marathon

© Semi-Marathon de la Vente des Vins de Beaune

• Date: November

• Location: Beaune (Côte d’Or), France

• Participants: 5,000

• Events: Half-marathon, 10.4 km, night run 4 km, canicross 6 km, sports and family hikes.

• Starting near the famous Hospices de Beaune, this course travels through prestigious wine villages like Volnay, Meursault, and Pommard. Musical groups, entertainment, and tastings of local products throughout the routes.

➜ Information and registration

The Chablis Marathon

© X. Morize

• Date: October

• Location: Chablis (Yonne), France

• Participants: 2,300

• Events: Marathon, half-marathon, trail 13 km, hikes 19 km and 11 km.

• A marathon with 400 m of elevation gain that celebrates the Chablis landscape, filled with savory pit stops and entertainment. A festive atmosphere with plenty of costumes!

➜ Information and registration

The Alsace Wine Route Marathon

© Marathon du Vignoble d’Alsace

• Date: June

• Location: Molsheim (Bas Rhin), France

• Participants : 3,500

• Events: Marathon, half-marathon, 10 km.

• This hilly marathon (500 m elevation gain) passes through 17 typical villages and features plenty of vineyard landscapes, offering gastronomic and wine tastings at the pit stops. Costumes, Alsatian specialties, and laid-back fun!

➜Information and registration

The Blaye Wine Marathon

© Jean-Marie Sanchez / Marathon des Vins de Blaye

• Date: May

• Location: Blaye (Gironde), France

• Participants : 600

• Events: Marathon, half-marathon, 10 km.

• This « small » marathon features an intimate and playful atmosphere! Starting at the heart of Blaye’s citadel, the route crosses vineyards and châteaux in the area. Costumes, no pressure, tastings at pit stops, and a festive evening.

➜ Information and registration

The Côte Chalonnaise Wine Marathon

© Marathon des Vins de la Côte Chalonnaise

• Date: March

• Location: Givry (Saône-et-Loire), France

• Participants : 5,500 

• Events: Marathon, half-marathon, relay marathon, 8 km, 12 km, non-timed friendly race.

• A 100% Burgundian event featuring local specialties, wine tastings, a costume contest, humorous signs along the route by Fluide Glacial, routes showcasing local heritage, and an after-party concert of jazz-rock!

Wine marathons are a great opportunity to combine running with festivities, as well as (re)discover regions known for wine tourism. We love these unique events for their carefree (sometimes even wacky!) vibe and the local engagement they inspire. They are must-experience races, perfect for sharing with your club, friends, or family!

➜ Information and registration