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 One of a kind, the Medoc Marathon began on Saturday, September 13 at 9h30 from Pauillac for its 30th anniversary. All runners were expected to dress in rich and vibrant color themes. Established and adored all around the world, the marathon exceptionally brought 10,000 runners, to meet the demands from France and abroad. The running course was in the opposite direction of the one in recent years, in honor of the first marathon which since 1984 had run into the same direction.
It is the first marathon in the world with a medical coverage. Medoc Marathon 2014 featured cosmopolitan accents with over 30 % of bibs reserved for foreigners. 54 nationalities including the British, Japanese, Germans, Swedes and Americans came together to create a quirky atmosphere brimming with a spirit of great humor, love of sports and the joy for life.
42 kilometers of great wines, splendid music and a unique celebration
Over 50 chateaux in Medoc had 25 points of supply tests called eno-athletes to help runners enjoy the finest wines of the participating Chateaux in moderation. And to refresh the hard work of 3-6 hours there were 52 orchestras situated almost at every kilometer. Oyster tastings, Grenier of Medoc, Pyrenean cheese, and a surprise at the 41st km, besides the “Martinique " region and its famous bananas , entertainment in the villages and 55,000 spectators and cheerers (not cheerleaders!) all along the route, were the highlight.
To give each runner support and special recognition, their name was marked in big letters on the bib they were wearing! Chateau Latour, Léoville , Pichon Longueville , Lynch- Bages , Ducru- Beaucaillou , Beychevelle , Gruaud- Larose, Lagrange, The Rose- Trintaudon, Batailley, Fonbadet, Grand -Puy- Lacoste, Pontet- Canet, Mouton Rothschild, Lafite-Rothschild, Cos Labory, Pomys, Belgrave, Cave Marquis de St-Estèphe, Phelan-Segur, Haut Marbuzet, Cordeillan –Bages and Montrose are some of the 59 chateaux that participated in the marathon this year and opened their gates for the runners to cross their properties.
It happens only in Médoc Marathon
During the marathon , medical teams were 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 " waited for the runners to refresh their faces (and makeup) before offering them a hearty snack in a delightfully decorated stand with great hip music!
Real marathon rewarded in wine
 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 route is 6 hours and 30 minutes. The winners of Medoc marathon, Thierry Guilbault in men (he completed the run in 2 hours,28 minutes, 41 seconds, and believe it or not, this was his 4th consecutive win at the marathon) and Nathalie Vasseur in women (she completed the run in 2 hours,53 minutes,41 seconds and this was her 12th win) won wines equivalent of their weights!! Surprise gifts awaited the runners at the finish. In terms of organization, and supplies of water and services and relief points, Medoc Marathon wins hands down amongst the entire traditional marathons in the world.
Remarkable trip in and around Margaux
The 3-day marathon is also the three days of celebration and shared fun. On Friday the evening before the marathon 1500 guests were hosted in the beautiful Château d'Issan Cantenac in Margaux. In Saint-Estephe 900 runners danced at a unique dinner. After the race on Saturday Pauillac hosted superb fireworks. The day after the Marathon, 4,000 participants gathered for a ride in the vineyards of Margaux to soothe the fatigue of the previous day. With wine tastings in the largest chateaux like Palmer, Rauzan- Segla, Cantenac -Brown, Brane -Cantenac, Angludet, Kirwan and Desmirails, The Medoc Marathon is not called the world's longest marathon for nothing.
History: The Medoc Marathon- a great story of passion
 In 1984 the AMCM (Association for the Marathon of Chateaux of Medoc) was created. This 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 felt in their first marathon in New York in 1983. One of the founders Hubert Rocher, an orthopedic surgeon recalls," Racing in France was only to test performance then 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, our love of good living, we thought! Our experience as marathon runners allowed us to meet the expectations of our runners and finally our passion. In 1985, the first Marathon brought together nearly 500 participants while in Bordeaux, the Marathon attracted less than 200! Still, this edition immediately brought us immense popularity around the world and now every year we have to refuse applications. The important thing for us is not to have more runners, but to get the satisfaction for each of them. On the 10th anniversary, the registration climbed to 7300 runners!”
Witnessing it was certainly a treat for body, mind and soul! I met Vincent Fabre, the President of the Medoc Marathon (also the property owner of ‘Domaines Fabre en Haut-Médoc’) and talked to him about his passion, ‘the marathon’.
PV: When is the most significant value of Medoc Marathon according to you?
VF: Even after 30 years of success, the Medoc Marathon has retained its original spirit which is based on four fundamental and interrelated pillars for us: Health, Sport, Friendliness and Festivity. A team of 90 runners- all of them volunteers, grouped into association ( AMCM), aims to help the highest number of runners discover the benefit and enjoyment of distance running and in welcoming and rewarding the last runner same as the winner.
PV: How does this marathon carry the spirit of Medoc?
VF: The spirit of the Medoc is based on four pillars:
Sport: Even if it's a festive marathon, "Medoc" is a true marathon, 42.195 kilometers officially measured. The quality of its organization and the beauty of the running course earned it a place every year in the top group of international marathons.
Friendliness: It is a key feature of this marathon which has been elected by runners, as the friendliest race in France. Its quality and reputation requires us to limit the number of entries: exceptionally 10,000 this year, usually the number is 8500. Each runner is rewarded on arrival by many gifts; T-shirt, medals, sports bags, bottle of Medoc, surprise gifts etc. The feel of this marathon is also the friendliness and helpfulness of the people and volunteers who work all year long to organize a perfect "event".
Festival: The party and music are omnipresent.
Health: The day before the marathon the Medical Congress and Symposium of Sports Medicine takes place. The latter is free and open for all purposes of education and prevention related to sport pathologies.
 PV: We are in the 30th edition of the marathon today- how do you feel?
VF: Everything is ready, we are working very actively. The weather is fantastic and I hope the joy is shared by citizens around the world. Web TV is active and is broadcasting in French and English on the Internet from 9h00 to 17h00; hundreds of thousands of Internet users will be able to experience this event around the world.
PV: What is your most beautiful memory of the Medoc marathon?
VF: It would sound strange. The chance meeting of a Chinese in Hong Kong wearing a backpack Marathon, crossing the bay on the ferry, told me about the Medoc Marathon he had run two years ago. It was a lasting memory for him. That was very emotional for me ... I have never seen him since!
PV: Do you know if there have been Indians who have participated?
VF: This year we have four Indian runners who have come from Mumbai. They will be delighted, we’re sure!
The marathon saw a large percentage of people running their only marathon of the year and finding the Medoc Marathon, the ideal conditions for success. Wine being an inseparable part of the identity of the Medoc region, the Medoc Marathon truly brings alive the joyful spirit of Medoc in every possible way for people from around the world to bask in it!
Registration for the Medoc Marathon begins in February 2015. Visit the official website www.marathondumedoc.com for registration.
Pallavi Vatsa
Photo gallery Medoc Marathon
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