Beaujolais International Marathon 2025

Run, drink, eat, run, drink, eat... The Beaujolais International Marathon is a feast for the taste buds and a true test of endurance! 😮‍💨

Villefranche-sur-Saône, located in the Rhône region, plays host to an absolutely incredible event! 🤯 In November, this road race will make you forget the cold and create unforgettable memories, all in a crazy atmosphere! 🥳 The route winds through the valleys amongst the Beaujolais vineyards, between roads, vineyard paths 🍇, and castles, outlining the Beaujolais International Marathon.

But first, let's take a step back to understand the origins of this event... It's easily seen as the little brother of the Medoc Marathon 💊. Birthed from the slightly crazy idea of three friends returning from the Big Apple 🍏 after running the New York Marathon 🗽. The year was 1995, and the idea to recreate a festive and friendly marathon "made in Beaujolais", akin to their New York experience, began to take root 💭. What followed is history: an event that now attracts over 23,000 participants in its latest 2023 edition! 😱 A festival that indeed celebrates Beaujolais heritage 🕺.

So much to share about this grand sportive celebration, but let's focus on the race first! On the agenda are 5 zany courses charted between Fleurie and Villefranche-sur-Saône ! Choices include: the Beaujolais Marathon, the Marathon-Relay (for teams of 3 or 4), the Beaujolais Half-Marathon, the "13 km of Rhône", and the "Family Marathon" of 2.5 km for children. If racing isn't your thing but you're all heart, there's the female and charity hike of 7.5 km "Rando POUR ELLES" 🎗️. And just so you know, you'll be tackling this somewhat hilly vineyard route in costume (because it's more fun 🤪), visiting a few local producers along the way! 👨‍🌾 If you're not too dizzy 🥴, you’ll pass by several castles (Corcelles, Pizay, Longsard to name a few) 🏰. The route takes you through numerous local towns (Corcelles-en-Beaujolais, Saint-Lager, Denicé, Gleizé) and even major cities (Belleville-sur-Saône, Charentay). The extraordinary hospitality includes massage and osteopathy services available post-race to help you recover and enjoy the rest 💆.

Because yes, this friendly event is packed with surprises! Here, the atmosphere is incredibly festive! The marathon village opens from Friday noon ☀️. On the menu 🍴: the traditional pasta party 🍝 on Friday, the wild Saturday night, and Sunday at the Wine Hamlet. That's not all, of course! The refreshment stations boast five-star quality, with fifteen tastings (drink responsibly) 🍷. And come on, we know the drill! The costume isn't just for the race, we want to see you in it throughout the festival 🦸. Nearly every participant gets into the spirit; it's the quintessential event of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region! Each year, it becomes a massive, super-friendly family gathering. The numerous activities and the strong support from spectators will push you to the finish line 🏁. To make the most of the region, numerous cottages and hotels are available nearby, and you'll find it's a hiker's paradise! 👟 And if you're eager to try even more local delicacies, treat yourself to a fine Beaujolais sausage or the traditional Juliénas coq au vin. It's going to be delicious! 😋

Sport 🏋️‍♀️, celebration 🥳, and gastronomy 🍽️, before, during, and after the race: the Beaujolais International Marathon is no small affair! 🍻