Marathon du Medoc
If you have questions regarding Marathon Tours & Travel’s Medoc Marathon Marathon Packages please: EMAIL OUR TRIP DESIGNER or CALL 617-242-7845
Few marathons are in a class of their own. Le Marathon des Chateaux du Medoc is one. Routed through 59 vineyards in the fabled villages of the Medoc region, this event appeals to the true connoisseur of fine runs.
The course reads more like a wine list than a race course: Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Lynch-Bages, Pichon Lonqueville, and Beychevelles among others. Don’t be surprised when you are asked at the aid stations, “red or white?” Of course, water is provided as well. In addition, each year you will find most runners dressed in costume! The theme for 2023 is “Gastronomy”
We offer an exclusive five-night package, which includes accommodations in Bordeaux, a welcome dinner and briefing, lectures on the history and classification system of Bordeaux wines, a full day of wine tasting including lunch at Chateau des Terme in Margaux, a pre-race dinner in a 500 year-old monastery, and the recovery wine tasting tour by foot (approx. a 9K walk) followed by lunch, and a celebration party. Our exclusive Gala Banquet will be hosted by Chateau Agassac with a “Dubious Awards Ceremony” for the best costumes in the group.
This trip appeals to those as interested in stimulating their palate as well as their hamstrings. Chateaux visits with wine tasting are scheduled in Pauillac, St. Julien, Margaux and St. Emilion. This program is limited to ensure the quality of service.
Meals Included
Daily breakfasts & select meals (see Itinerary)
Guide
Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
Transfers
One-way transfers from the hotel to the airport
Trip Extension
Post-race travel plans can be arranged
Accommodation
Excellent five nights' accommodation
Entry
Guaranteed race entry - $225 per person
Celebration Party
Farewell gala banquet dinner at Chateau Agassac
Excursions
Selection of tours & sightseeing opportunities
A Helping Hand
Motorcoach transportation to all activities
Travel Package Information
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Itinerary
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Thursday, September 5
Arrive at the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD) and transfer on your own to the Chateaux Chartrons Hotel for your five night stay in Bordeaux. A light training run along the Garonne River is planned for the afternoon. This evening you will enjoy the Welcome Reception, Opening Dinner and Briefing where your race packets will be distributed. (Dinner included)
Friday, September 6
Following breakfast will be a visit to Chateaux Lascombes for wine tastings and cellar tour. Lunch will be at Chateau Marquis de Terme in Margaux prepared by the famous French Chef with Michelin Star in La Rochelle – Gregory Coutanceau. Throughout the day we will be driving along parts of the marathon course, which will be good preparation for your race. We will also plan a visit to the small runner’s expo in Pauillac. Tonight enjoy a pre-race pasta dinner in a 500 year-old monastery located on the property of Chateau du Taillan. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Saturday, September 7
Race Day! Transfer to the start of Le Marathon des Chateaux du Medoc starting at 9:30 AM. Don’t forget to wear an outrageous costume (90% of the runners do!) based on the theme – Gastronomy. Transfer back to hotel in late afternoon and enjoy a celebration dinner on your own or with new friends at a fine selection of restaurants in Old Bordeaux. (Breakfast included)
Sunday, September 8
Transfer to the north for the 9K recuperation walk (faire une balade) with wine tastings at chateaux. A variety of bands and food tastings will entertain you along the way. Lunch and a celebration with live entertainment is included. Plan to return in the late afternoon to Bordeaux. Dinner will be on your own this evening. (Breakfast and lunch included)
Monday, September 9
We will start the day with a visit to St. Emilion for a chateaux visit and tasting in this historic appellation. The afternoon is free to enjoy lunch and to explore this 11th century village often referred to as the most beautiful in France. We have a special contact here, which is one of the finest wine shops in Bordeaux. They will offer complimentary tastings and the opportunity to purchase from a wide choice of wines from throughout the region. They offer shipping service for those who want to restock their wine cellars or bring back a few bottles to commemorate their visit. This evening will be the Gala Banquet at Chateau Agassac for our final night in Bordeaux. (Breakfast and dinner included)
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Extensions
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Marathon Tours & Travel is happy to assist with any post-race travel plans.
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Packages & Rates
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Marathon du Medoc Five-Night Package | September 5 – 10, 2024
Features:
- Five nights’ accommodation at the Mercure Chateau Chartrons
- Breakfast daily at the hotel
- Light shakeout run along the Garonne River on arrival
- Welcome dinner and trip briefing (Thursday, September 5)
- Full day of wine tastings in the Bordeaux region with lunch at Chateau Marquis de Terme in Margaux
- Pre-race dinner at the 500 year old Chateau du Taillan
- Post-race 9K wine tasting walk with lunch and entertainment (Sunday, September 8)
- Half day of wine tasting in the St. Emilion region with a visit to the historic 11th century village
- Farewell gala banquet dinner at Chateau Agassac
- Motorcoach transportation to all activities
- One-way airport transfers from the hotel to the airport on September 10 (see details below)
- Hosted on-site by Marathon Tours & Travel
- Guaranteed entry – $215
Not Included in package price:
- Race entry fee
- Meals unless noted above
- Gratuities and tips
- Incidentals
- Travel insurance
- Airfare to/from Bordeaux
- Transfer from Bordeaux Airport to hotel upon arrival
Please Note:
Airport transfers are not included from the Bordeaux Airport to the hotel upon arrival. Transportation from the hotel back to the airport on September 5 is included. There will be three morning departures to accommodate guests leaving by mid-afternoon. Transportation to or from Gare de Bordeaux St. Jean station is not included.
Age Requirement:
Travelers must be 21 years old or older to participate in this tour package.
For this tour you should plan to fly into the Bordeaux-Merignac Airport (BOD).
Rates (all prices per person and in US dollars)
Five-Night Package Double Occupancy Single Occupancy Chateau Chartrons Package $2245 per person $2975 Additional Night(s) $170 per person $305
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Hotels
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Mercure Chateau Chartrons Hotel
A great option in Bordeaux for your five-night stay. You can relax in the comfortable rooms, fine dine at the Le Chais Saint Luis Restaurant, enjoy a few cocktails at the patio bar, and find all the fine room amenities to make your stay an enjoyable one such as Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, minibar, safe and tea and coffee making facilities.
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Event Information
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Race Date: September 7, 2024
Race Start Time: 9:30 AM
The Course: The loop course starts and finishes in the center of Pauillac and runs through 59 vineyards along village roads, through chateaux courtyards and rows of ripening grapes. Wine is served at every mile or you may select the more traditional choice of water or electrolyte drink. If you need a little boost at 23 miles, try some white wine with oysters. You will be entertained by 20 musical groups – from string quartets to reggae. With more than 90% of the field in costumes, this event is more live theater than an athletic competition.
Temperature: Average temperatures range between 60F-85F with low humidity.
Guaranteed Entry Procedure: We offer a guaranteed entry when you book our package. An official entry form will be forwarded to you after receipt of a completed tour application form and deposit. The entry fee is TBC
IMPORTANT: French law requires that all visiting runners submit a doctor’s note with the entry form attesting that they are healthy enough to run a marathon.
Medical Certificate: A completed medical certificate is required by French law for you to be able to participate in the Marathon du Medoc. It must be filled out completely, signed and stamped by your doctor. Without a completed signed and stamped certificate you will NOT be able to participate in the race. You can find a copy of the required certificate here.
Course Time Limit: There is a 6.5 hour time limit.
Number Pickup: Your race packet will be distributed at the opening dinner and race briefing.
Eligibility: All runners must be at least 21 years of age on race day.
Difficulty: Easy
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Registration & Booking
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Rates: Land Prices may change due to currency fluctuations.
Reservations and Payments: A completed tour application together with a deposit of $400 per person must be received before confirming your reservations. Final payment must be received before June 15, 2024. Any final payments received after June 15, 2024 will be charged a $50 late payment fee.
Cancellations: All payments, including your deposit, are non-refundable and non-transferrable. Non-transferrable includes applying your balance to another person, another year or another trip. Should you cancel for any reason, you will forfeit your trip investment. Therefore, travel insurance for every trip is highly recommended. All cancellations must be received in writing. Race entry fees are non-refundable once purchased.
Not included in price: All items not specifically listed under tour features. Transfers from the train station to the hotel. A completed entry form must be returned to Marathon Tours by every runner with the $225 entry fee (subject to change). A doctor’s note must also be sent stating that you are healthy enough to run a marathon. This is required by French law.
Insurance: For your protection, trip cancellation, baggage, health and accident insurance is highly recommended for all participants. However, no representation or description of the insurance made by our staff constitutes a binding assurance or promise about the insurance.
Travel Insurance for U.S. Residents
Travel Insurance for Canadian ResidentsSecurity Policy: Marathon Tours & Travel’s security policy requires that anyone staying in our room block must be registered as part of our package. If a registered client attempts to house a non-registered guest and /or invite them to attend any of our scheduled activities, the registered guest’s tour package will be forfeited and parties may be denied access to future tours. Please note that no exceptions will be made as this policy will be strictly enforced.
Responsibility: These tours are operated by Marathon Tours, Inc. of Chelsea, MA who acts only as an agent for the passenger to the companies offering such services and assumes no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity caused by any reason whatsoever by any party offering such services. All terms and conditions offered are governed by the laws of Massachusetts. The right is reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure with a refund, less applicable credit card and processing fees, made as full settlement to the passenger. The right is reserved by Marathon Tours, Inc. to deny acceptance of a booking application by any person. Marathon Tours, Inc. may make any changes or alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary for the proper handling of the tour. The sole responsibility of any airline used is limited to that set out in the passenger contract evidenced by the ticket. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that the passengers are not on board their aircraft.
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Testimonials
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"We know Marathon Tours will give us a taste of the country..." - 2019
We know Marathon Tours will give us a taste of the country, take good care of us, and give us a memorable trip. We enjoy the other people on the trip, too.
"One of the most amazing and unique tours..." - 2019One of the most amazing and unique tours for anyone who loves to run marathons but also experience the gorgeous scenic Bordeaux region for its people, food, and wine!
"This was our 3rd trip with Marathon Tours..." - 2018This was our 3rd trip with Marathon Tours, and we had a great time. We met so many fantastic people and that’s what these things are all about… so thank you!
"Best running vacation I ever had!" - 2018Wanted to run the marathon and tour Bordeaux — and wanted to avoid the complex logistics of trying to organize this by myself. Best running vacation I ever had!
"The trip exceeded all my expectations..."- 2018If you are only going to do one marathon, it should be the Medoc! The trip exceeded all my expectations.
"Everyone gets into the spirit!" - 2018The best party marathon you will encounter – everyone gets into the spirit!
"I've been on many Marathon Tours - all excellent..." - 2017I’ve been on many Marathon Tours – all excellent, but this has to be my favorite. Many people from other trips said Medoc was the favorite. They were right. Well done.
"The scenery, the race, chateau visits..." - 2017The scenery, the race, chateau visits, wine+wine+wine, the camaraderie of the group, and more.
"It was beyond my expectations..." - 2016I didn’t know anything about Marathon Tours and took a chance because I knew we wanted to run the Medoc. It was beyond my expectations.
"Well organized and experience showed..." - 2014Well organized and experience showed. It was so different from traditional marathon but was a blast. The tips from Thom were greatly appreciated throughout
"Put on your seatbelt and have some fun in Bordeaux!" - 2014If you had to do one marathon then hook up with Marathon Tours, put on your seatbelt and have some fun in Bordeaux!
"It was the best blend of fun and wine and running..." - 2014It was the best blend of fun and wine and running I could ever have hoped for, and I want to do it again!
"Wonderful, crazy, and the most fun..." - 2014Wonderful, crazy, and the most fun I have ever had running a marathon…or any race for that matter!
"Unique, raucous, delightful run..." - 2014Unique, raucous, delightful run, greatly aided by smooth MT transfer services; enjoyed good breadth of chateau tours.
"Marathon du Medoc is a grand opportunity..." - 2012Marathon du Medoc is a grand opportunity to challenge your ability, creativity and sobriety in one event!
"The Race was like a MARDI GRAS parade and a party..." - 2012The Race was like a MARDI GRAS parade and a party with 8,0000 new found friends, in unbearable heat and great cheer! The rest of the tour was icing on the cake.
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Recommended Resources
Meet the Reps
Christine Rosenfeld
Trip Designer
Christine Rosenfeld
Trip Designer
Christine has been working in the health and fitness industry for more than 25 years. Christine is a Registered Massage Therapist, Multisport coach, rehabilitation and personal trainer and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. She operates her own coaching and counselling business and works part-time with the Health Authority in BC. Most recently Christine works with athletes as a Mental Performance coach helping athletes with the mental side of sport to enhance performance.
Christine has worked as a Multisport coach since 2007. She has trained athletes of all levels in long distance swimming, marathons, ultra runs, sprint, Olympic and lronman triathlons. Christine has completed 10 Ironman races, qualified for the World Championships in Kona, has run multiple ultramarathons, ultra swims, and was the first woman at Ultraman 520 in 2019. Christine also does contract working as an Adventure Concierge, driving zodiacs in Antarctica and on the east coast. Christine has been working with MTT as a trip specialist since 2012 and recently joined the MTT Team fulltime!
