It’s the only marathon where you can pull a cork as well as a muscle.
The buzz is building for the Marathon du Medoc near Bordeaux in France, where 8,500 runners from 71 countries will face bottlenecks as they ease their pain by chugging on wine along the 26.2-mile route.
Dressed in carnival-themed outfits, the sloshed runners also will be served gourmet food and decadent ice cream en route to the finish line on Saturday.
“This year for the first time we’re laying on a breakfast, with viennoiseries, at the third kilometer,” a race spokesman told connexionfrance.com.
“After that they set off again on the normal route – with tastings on the way – and then at the 37th kilometer there’s a meal with oysters, entrecote steaks, cheese and ice cream and then there’s a little surprise at the 41st kilometer. I can’t say what it will be, but it’s edible.”
The runners will have ample time to hit the proverbial wall – or pass out in a drunken stupor – with a generous six and a half hours to complete the race.
And they won’t have a chance to get bored while pounding the pavement. Entertainment will be provided along the way and a huge ball is planned at the end – along with a fireworks display.
“There’s music from classical to rock or reggae being put on at the châteaux, to help people finish their marathon without thinking of the pain too much,” the spokesman said.
“On top of that we are putting in place massage stations in the last 10 kilometers so those who are suffering the most can be massaged if they have cramps or anything. That helps them to recuperate well and set off again for the final leg.”
Asked if being blasted can be detrimental to a marathoner, the spokesman added: “If you drink in moderation, you finish your race with no problem.”