Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 100, November 2017 | Page 37

ADVERTORIAL
MY LONGEST
(AND BEST) MARATHON
The Marathon du Medoc
By Jacqui Reid
T
he Marathon du Medoc is by no means an ordinary
Marathon. Also known as “Le Marathon le Plus Long
du Monde,” which translates to the longest marathon
in the world, it takes place in the stunning Bordeaux region
of France every September, and once you run it, you quickly
come to understand its nickname!
The 42.2km course meanders through ancient villages and
scenic vineyards, and participants, most of whom are in fancy
dress, are expected to indulge in 23 glasses of the famed
wine vintages en route, while stuffing themselves with local
specialities such as oysters, foie gras, cheese, steak and ice
cream.
Also, each year the event adopts a different theme, and the
theme for 2017 was “Music in 33rpm Record,” so we were
running alongside athletes dressed as music legends of
yesteryear from ABBA, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and
Elvis Presley, right through to a singing Rubix Cube! Everyone ran along singing
their favourite 80’s tune, dancing to the beat of all the bands along the route, and
though it may sound like the craziest race known to man, simply put, this is one of
the world’s greatest parties… with a marathon thrown in for fun!
NO PARTICULAR HURRY
The atmosphere at the packed start line was upbeat, and became even more
upbeat at the first wine stop just over 2km along the route. I glanced down at my
watch and it occurred to me that we had taken almost 25 minutes to complete this
distance. That’s when I knew this was going to be a long day, and spotting the cut-
off float dangerously close behind us, we decided to pick up the pace.
After the first chateau, the stops come thick and fast, and the wine and food on offer
and the temptation to stop for an impromptu boogie to the many wonderful local bands
become too hard to resist. My fellow running partners and I were all having as much fun
as you can possibly have in a pair of running shoes… and our main competition, which
we just could not shake off, was that singing Rubix Cube. And a guy in a Zebra suit!
As we approached the famous Chateau Lafite Rothschild, around halfway, we
noticed that some runners had found an excellent way to cool down, by jumping into
the Chateau’s lake. Most of them were stripping down naked, without a care in the
world… Who knew alcohol could affect good judgment?
THE PARTY CONTINUES
The second half was more undulating, and hotter, and the runners became more
spaced out, but local families lined the course and were more than happy to share
fruit and food, and whatever alcoholic drinks they had available. Finally, after the
37km mark, we arrived at the oyster stop! The cool, lemony, saltiness washed down
with champagne tasted incredible, and for desert, a delicious ice cream. Yummy!
From there I put my foot down to the finish, knowing I was putting my race at risk
with the official cut-off time of six hours 30 minutes. When I finally stumbled over
the finish line, sunburnt and slightly tipsy, I had posted my PW (Personal Worst)
marathon in a time of six hours, 29 minutes and 36 seconds. Shoo, just 24 seconds
to spare! I was presented with a medal, and a fabulous goody bag containing a
souvenir bottle of wine and a voucher for a pint of beer… as if I had not had enough
alcohol already!
Waiting at the finish line for the rest of our group, I wondered how any other
marathon could possibly compare to this joyous party atmosphere. It was one of the
most bizarre experiences of my running career, but the Marathon du Médoc proves
that you can run and appreciate great food and wine at the same time. This race is
by no means about getting a good time, it’s about having a great time with fellow
runners.
To find out more about tour packages to this wonderful race as well as many
other sporting events around the world, go to www.gosportstravel.co.za. 37