Inaugural Sauternes marathon to take place in June

A magnum of Chateau d'Yquem is being offered to the first runners over the line in this summer's inaugural Sauternes marathon.

Up to 1,000 competitors are expected to converge on Chateau Guiraud on 4 June for the race, which winds its way through the famous communes of Fargues, Bommes, Sauternes and Barsac.

All those completing the 26.2-mile course will receive a bottle of Sauternes, a medal and a t-shirt, while the winners of the men’s and women’s open categories will take home their weight in Sauternes, plus a magnum of Chateau d’Yquem.

A group of local organisations is backing the event, led by the AOC of Sauternes and Barsac under president of the organising committee, Chateau Guiraud director Xavier Planty.

The mainly flat course will pass more than 30 chateaux, and there’s an extra incentive for runners to get past the fabled “wall” of fatigue at the 20-mile mark – Yquem itself lies just a couple of miles from the finish at Chateau Filhot.

Many chateaux are planning to open their doors on the day of the event, while tastings and dinners are also being organised – including a carb-rich “pasta party” on the eve of the race.

Full details are available on the marathon website.

Written by Richard Woodard