© Saint-Émilion Wine Run Festival
Saint-Émilion Wine Run Festival: Opening Miles, Heavy Legs, and Eyes Already Set on the Distance
Between rows of vineyards still cool in the early morning, winding white gravel paths, and châteaux slowly coming to life, the Saint-Émilion Wine Run Festival once again delivered this Sunday, April 12. A vibrant, packed, and deeply human edition, where some chased fast times while others savored every stride like a fine vintage.
At 7:30 a.m., at Château Soutard, the sun was still hesitating—but the runners weren’t. At the Saint-Émilion Wine Run Festival, Marathon participants set off first, almost in silence, as if the distance demanded respect. At the front, the pace was controlled, no early fireworks. Further back, everyone stepped into their own story. France’s Florian Laplanche wrote his with confidence. A composed 2:29:40 secured him a clear victory on a course that offers no shortcuts—rolling hills, constant changes of rhythm. The kind of performance that reflects both smart pacing and pure speed.
Behind him, Francis Ingles, a seasoned French runner from Elan Girondais Athlétisme, claimed second place in 2:45:21—experience speaking loud and clear. Adrien Brayet (2:52:01) completed the podium with a steady, no-frills race. In the women’s race, France’s Mathilde Sulzer set the tone. Her 3:17:09 was built on consistency and control from start to finish. She finished ahead of Juliette Bourouz (3:25:26) and Manon Collet (3:31:50), each running their own race, each battling in their own way.
| 22 km: pace picks up between tastings
On the mid-distance race, things got sharper. Jonathan Gerthofer set the tempo early and never let go. His 1:20:37 was clean, fast, and efficient. Behind him, Antoine Thielen (1:21:28) and Armand Fontes (1:22:39) completed a tightly packed podium. This was a punchy race, defined by constant pace changes. No room to switch off—every climb forced a response, every descent invited risk.
In the women’s race, Raphaëlle Jourdrin controlled proceedings with authority, winning in 1:32:58. A victory built patiently, almost quietly. Delphine Bibard (1:38:03), representing Château Beauséjour, highlighted the strong presence of local wine estates in the race, blending competition with regional identity. Amélie Fortin rounded out the podium in 1:39:54 after a committed effort.
| 12 km: the morning fireworks
The 12 km race wasted no time. Jean-Baptiste Chamauleaud made an immediate statement, clocking 40:47 on a course far from flat. Behind him, Esteban Brossier (42:30) and Mathieu Tanguy (42:58)—running close to home near Château Grand Corbin-Despagne—completed the podium. Depth was impressive, with several runners breaking 44 minutes. Guillaume Martins (5th in 43:18), Baptiste Linseele(7th in 44:06), and Louis Quilain (8th in 44:14), representing Château Laroque, all underlined the race’s high level.
In the women’s field, Margaux Désert delivered a standout run, winning in 49:23 with authority. She was followed by Amélie Caplain, from the prestigious Château Cheval Blanc, who secured second in 51:18, just ahead of Paris-based Jeanne Rouhier (54:43). The rest of the top 10 remained tightly packed, with close gaps and a real fight to the line.
| More than just a race
As the kilometers tick by, one thing becomes clear: this is no ordinary race. Runners pass through private estates rarely open to the public, alongside UNESCO-listed vineyards, cheered on by volunteers who know every corner of the course. More than 5,000 runners took part, yet the event retains a sense of intimacy.
Maybe it’s the relaxed atmosphere at aid stations, where water sometimes shares space with wine tastings. Maybe it’s the conversations between strangers turned companions on a tough climb. Since its creation in 2015 by Jean Aboudaram, the event has carved out a unique identity—blending sport, heritage, and purpose. The Rotary Club of Libourne Saint-Émilion has already donated over €755,000 to medical research. A full-bodied edition, in every sense.
✔ Full results of the Saint-Émilion Wine Run Festival
Dorian VUILLET
Journalist
