August 27: Le Marathon des Chateaux du Medoc, known as Marathon du Médoc, a French Marathon race with a difference, has reached its 35th edition with over 8,500 people from 50 countries including India in running and walking in the Bordeaux vineyards on September 7, where there will be bands in attendance, wine tastings at several milestones and several chateaux tastings, writes Subhash Arora who feels it is ultimate in marathon for Bordeaux wine lovers but regrets the booking is closed though wait list is open
The Marathon du Médoc is a French Marathon race, created in 1984 and held every year in September through the vineyards of Medoc and Gironde. It is considered the longest Marathon in the world because it has many other fun activities - musical breaks with 50 orchestras scattered around the course, 23 wine tasting stops, oysters tasting at the 38th kilometre milestone, and steak at the 39th kilometre mark. It attracts around 8,500 participants, representing more than 50 nations- about 30% participants are foreigners. The marathon is organised by a volunteer association, with 2,800 volunteers. It has retained the initial spirit based on four fundamental and interrelated pillars: Health, Sport, Friendliness and Festivity.
It happens only in Médoc Marathon
During the marathon , medical teams are stationed all along the route-at 10km, 13.5km, 18k , 20km, 22.5km, 30km, 33km, 36.5km, 38km and at the 39th km. On arrival, 5 specialized tents awaiting the participants: The Red Cross, the medical tent, the cardiology tent, physiotherapy tent and the pedicure tent. Not only that, a team tendresse awaits the runners to refresh their faces and makeup before offering them a hearty snack in a delightfully decorated stand with great hip music.
The Medoc Marathon is a real race along 42.195 kilometers crossing the vineyards with a slightly hilly and challenging terrain. The maximum time limit to complete the course is 6 hours and 30 minutes.
In a real story of passion, AMCM (Association for the Marathon of Chateaux of Medoc) was created in 1984. The idea germinated in the minds of 6 friends including 4 doctors. Their initial goal was to get back into the sport with some notion of party or fun they had felt in their first marathon in New York in 1983. ‘Racing in France was only to test performance in those days and usually ended up into a serious event. Why not create a festive event, based on sports, our natural resources, the region, its chateaux and wines, their love of good living, thought the founders! ‘Our experience as marathon runners allowed us to meet the expectations of our runners and finally our passion,’ says Hubert Rocher, one of the founders.
In 1985, the first Marathon brought together nearly 500 participants while in Bordeaux, the Marathon attracted less than 200! Still, this edition immediately brought them immense popularity around the world and now every year they refuse many applications, including this year.
Registrations for 2019 as in any other year, were opened in February this year but are already closed-though the waiting list is open. The charges for registration are € 88 for the plain vanilla and go up to €180 with various lunches, dinners and amenities and appear to be reasonable. The race starts at 930 am with the prize distribution ceremony in Pauillac at 4 pm. There are several supporting programmes on 6 and 8 Sept as well. For complete program visit https://www.marathondumedoc.com
Marathon wine couple from India
Our own Marathon wine couple in India have participated in Marathon du Medoc about 10 years ago. Says, Uma Chigurupati, wife of Krishna Chigurupati, the better half of the Marathon couple who also run KRSMA wines in Karnataka, says,‘Yes, we have done Medoc Marathon. Actually, that was our first full Marathon. Later on we started continuing with full Marathons. It was a very nice experience and happened 10 years back.’
The Chigurupati couple are listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the only couple in the world who has finished a grand slam in Marathon i.e. running a marathon in all the seven continents and North Pole.
Another star runner from wine industry is Vishal Kadakia of Wine Park. He has been running several Marathons in India and overseas. ‘Medoc Marathon is certainly on my bucket list. But I have not been able to participate so far. I hope to take part in the near future though.’
The Marathon always has a few enthusiastic runners from India every year. This year should be no exception. If you cannot participate but would like to be still 'in person' there are live broadcasts and internet TV including podcasts. Details are on their website.
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Medoc Marathon 2014: Essence of Medocaine Spirit
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