Medoc Marathon: fine wine, fancy dress and a memorable 39th edition

The 39th Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc took place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, bringing together 8,500 runners on the banks of the Gironde in Pauillac. A must for marathon enthusiasts and lovers of Bordeaux’s finest wines, the event blends sport, local heritage and good humor like no other. But beneath the costumes and festive aid stations, there was serious racing too: France’s Florian Laplanche and Germany’s Larissa Eckrich added their names to the roll of honor on a course as demanding as it is iconic. Here’s a look back at a marathon like no other.

A popular, traditional celebration above all

Since its creation in 1985, the Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc has established itself as one of the most unusual fixtures on the international running calendar. Here, running is all about enjoyment. More than 90% of participants dress up to match the day’s theme, and this year’s nautical theme proved a huge hit. Most importantly, runners come to savor every aid station, where fine wine, oysters and cheese replace the usual gels. This is not a race run for the clock, but a chance to enjoy the local food and the scenery. The route takes runners on a genuine adventure through the Médoc vineyards, with exceptional views and a passage by 25 historic châteaux.

The châteaux, the vineyards, the food... this local heritage attracts thousands of runners every year in search of a different kind of running experience. With 45% of the field coming from abroad and a waiting list of 40,000 people, the race has a powerful international appeal, particularly in the United States. Yet despite ever-growing demand, the Association pour le Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc has chosen to cap the field at 8,500 runners. It is a deliberate decision that protects the event’s convivial spirit and the quality of the experience for every participant. Keeping the race human in scale also helps maintain a better balance: with 3,000 volunteers on hand, the organizers can provide a warm welcome and well-stocked aid stations while avoiding congestion on the course.

Medoc Marathon: fine wine and fast racing make for a memorable edition

Florian Laplanche and Larissa Eckrich shine on the course

Among the 8,500 lucky entrants were plenty of runners chasing a result. This edition delivered a fine spectacle, with two new champions. In the men’s race, Florian Laplanche (Château Anthonic) made amends for last year’s runner-up finish. The Frenchman has been in outstanding form this season, having set a personal best in Paris in the spring (2:21:59), and won in 2:27:11 beneath the Médoc sun. Firmly in control from the opening kilometers, he held off the late charge of Freddy Guimard (Château Lynch-Bages), a local champion and five-time winner of the race.

In the women’s race, Larissa Eckrich was first across the finish line in 3:11:00. The German runner came through a demanding course with almost 300 meters of elevation gain, confirming that the Medoc Marathon attracts both France’s top specialists and talented runners from abroad.

The two winners received a reward worthy of their efforts: they went home with their body weight in cases of wine.

The race turns 40 in 2026

With another successful edition in the books, attention has already turned to next year and the marathon’s 40th anniversary. The race will take place on September 5, 2026, and is certain to be a special, historic occasion. Registration opens in March, and runners will need to move fast... This year, all entries sold out in just one hour.

The Medoc Marathon is a celebration of running, not just the clock. It is an invitation to combine hard work with life’s small pleasures. Beyond the strong performances from Larissa Eckrich and Florian Laplanche, the race highlights one of running’s most important values: bringing people together, showcasing local heritage and sharing the joy of the sport. This unique event shows that sport, local culture and conviviality can go hand in hand. A philosophy other races could learn from. And for anyone still hesitating about taking on a marathon, the date is already set for 2026.

✔ See the full Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc results