The Beaujolais Marathon – The Ultimate Way to Celebrate Beaujolais Day

If wine plus running is your idea of heaven, the Beaujolais Marathon (Marathon du Beaujolais) is now in its 19th edition (2023 race) and has grown from humble beginnings to one of the most anticipated running events of the year.

Targeted towards the fun-runner rather than those looking to set a new marathon personal best, the Marathon du Beaujolais usually takes place on the Saturday following Beaujolais Day (which always falls on the third Thursday in November).  This gives those who may have over-enthusiastically celebrated Beaujolais Day, some useful recovery time on the Friday.

The course (95% of which is on small country roads) meanders between vineyards and chateaux of the Beaujolais region, taking in 12 villages and most importantly offering 15 wine-tasting opportunities along the way.  You did read that correctly – whilst pushing yourself along the 26.2 mile marathon route (likely in fancy-dress, as a large number of the entrants do) you’ll have the chance to regularly sample wine too.  What more could you want?

The original Beaujolais Marathon had a few hundred runners and was somewhat less structured than the very popular and well-run operation of the current day.  Over 15,000 entrants now enjoy the ‘race’ each year with the event also offering half-marathon and relay options to those who might be looking for less of a challenge.

Watch the video above or click here to visit the Marathon du Beaujolais website.