Event Details
Welcome to the Marathon du Médoc 2026 in Pauillac
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, the fortieth edition of the Marathon du Médoc sets off from Pauillac on the Gironde estuary. Known as one of the most festive races in the world, the 26.2 mile course winds through the celebrated vineyards and châteaux of the Médoc, from Pauillac through Saint Julien Beychevelle to Saint Estèphe.
Highlights and Attractions at the Marathon du Médoc in Pauillac
- Costumes are mandatory, and the 2026 theme is "The 80's," celebrating neon colors and synthesizer sounds
- Around 23 refreshment stops line the course, offering Bordeaux wines, oysters, foie gras, steak and even ice cream
- About 8,500 runners from roughly 75 countries take part every year
- Live music, costume contests and a party atmosphere accompany the entire route
- A Friday evening pasta party at Château Beychevelle in Saint Julien Beychevelle
- A relaxed Sunday recovery walk through the Médoc vineyards followed by lunch at Château Beychevelle
- A fortieth anniversary edition with a special finisher medal
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Program and Schedule: What to Expect in 2026
On Friday, September 4, bib collection and the Marathon Expo open at the COSEC in Pauillac from 10 am to 11 pm, followed by the evening pasta party. The race itself starts Saturday at 9:30 am on the Quais de Pauillac, with a time limit of six and a half hours. On Sunday, a gentle walk through the vineyards rounds out the weekend for those who want to see even more of the Médoc.
Tickets and Admission for the Marathon du Médoc
The standard entry fee is around 100 euros. Festive packages that include themed dinners run between 140 and 165 euros, and the Prestige package, covering the bib, the pasta dinner and the Sunday walk with lunch, costs 226 euros. Entries are capped at 8,500 runners, registration happens exclusively online through the official website, and spots typically sell out quickly.
Visitor Tips: Travel and Accommodation in Pauillac
- Dedicated bus transfers run between Bordeaux and Pauillac for the event
- Accommodation in the Médoc books up months ahead of this weekend, so plan early
- Since part of the course runs on gravel tracks, proper running shoes are worth wearing even with a costume
- Spectators can find great views of the most creative costumes near the refreshment stations along the route
- Those who only want the Sunday walk should register early, since spots are capped at 3,000
