Overview
The Marathon du Medoc draws approximately 6,000 finishers each September on a wine-country road in Pauillac, France. The race is famous worldwide for combining marathon distance with costume culture and wine-country spectacle. The course passes vineyards, chateaux, and wine villages throughout the Medoc region. Vineyards, chateaux, and wine villages throughout the Medoc region unfold beside costume culture and wine-country spectacle on a mostly level September route.
Marathon du Medoc is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Marathon du Medoc 2026 race day
The next Marathon du Medoc is scheduled for Sunday, 6 September 2026 with a 9:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
Marathon du Medoc course route
Starts and finishes in Pauillac. The course passes vineyards, chateaux, and wine villages throughout the Medoc region. Mostly flat with gentle undulations. Very flat throughout.
Marathon du Medoc elevation profile
The Marathon du Medoc course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Marathon du Médoc uses open registration at marathondumedoc.com that sells out within hours for the September race, with a lottery backup when demand exceeds the roughly 6,000-runner cap. Entries typically open the previous December for this famous wine-country costume marathon. International runners compete for the same limited places through the official French portal; early online sign-up is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Marathon du Medoc elevation profile?
- The Marathon du Medoc has 100 metres of total climbing and 95 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 5 metres of net climb from start to finish.
- How long is the Marathon du Medoc?
- The Marathon du Medoc is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Wine-country road starting and finishing in Pauillac.
- What time does the Marathon du Medoc start?
- The 2026 Marathon du Medoc starts at 9:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 September 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.marathondumedoc.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Marathon du Medoc start and finish?
- Starts and finishes in Pauillac. Updated course maps are published at https://www.marathondumedoc.com/ each year.
- When is the Marathon du Medoc and how do I register?
- Marathon du Medoc is typically held in September. Registration opens through https://www.marathondumedoc.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Marathon du Medoc course flat?
- Yes. Marathon du Medoc is known for a largely flat profile with only minor undulations, making it popular with runners chasing steady pacing.
- What landmarks does the Marathon du Medoc pass?
- The course passes vineyards, chateaux, and wine villages throughout the Medoc region.
- What weather should runners expect at Marathon du Medoc?
- Usually mild with warm afternoon sun and dry late-summer air.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
