The thought of running a marathon makes my knees sore. The lunacy of running that far doesn’t stop plenty of unfit people from giving the 26 miles/42 km a crack. If I ever were to take on the distance, it would probably be in the Medoc, running past the chateaux along the Left Bank with a swarm of runners in fancy dress. However, the thought of getting passed by a runner in a rhino suit or Superman outfit would be too humiliating to bear.
The Medoc marathon already has two rival events in the region – in Blaye and Gujan-Mestras. But three marathons isn’t enough for the Bordelais, so next year the sweet wine appellations of Sauternes and Barsac are launching their own marathon. Put the 4 June 2011 in your diary and get training. The appellation’s wine body, the ODG, have been the driving force behind the marathon and producers will open up their cellar doors for tastings while the marathon winds through the area’s vineyards. There’s even talk of putting on swish dinners at the chateaux for the runners. I’m not sure if foie gras and running are much of a match, however.
It’s hoped there will be 800 participants. Will you be one of them?
