Marathon International du Beaujolais

Location: Beaujolais

Country:  France
Website:  https://www.marathondubeaujolais.org/en/
2025 Marathon Date:  23/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  21/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:26:31

% Sub-3s:  1-2%
# Sub-3s:  10--49
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Marathon International du Beaujolais offers one of the most distinctive and festive marathon experiences in France, weaving athletic challenge with celebration in the heart of the Beaujolais wine region. Held each November on the Saturday following Beaujolais Day, the event embraces the spirit of the new vintage with a lively, costume-filled atmosphere that sets it apart from more traditional road races.

The full marathon typically begins in the village of Fleurie and finishes in the historic centre of Villefranche-sur-Saône, following a 42.195 km route that showcases the landscapes, villages and vineyards that define the Beaujolais region. The course is approximately 95 percent small country roads and the remainder vineyard paths, offering a textured and scenic running experience. With an elevation gain of around 250 metres, the terrain is gently hilly, passing through 12 villages and several wine estates, including Château de Corcelles and Château de Pizay. The route meanders through rolling fields, quiet lanes and chateau grounds, creating a varied backdrop steeped in viticultural heritage.

A defining feature of the event is its celebratory atmosphere. The marathon is deliberately designed to be enjoyed rather than raced for time, with up to 15 wine-tasting stops, musical performances and festive entertainment along the way. More than 80 percent of participants run in costume, contributing to a carnival-like mood that blends sport with spectacle. For many, the race serves as a moving festival, aligning with the regional excitement surrounding the release of Beaujolais Nouveau.

The event has expanded into a full weekend of running, offering a half marathon, relay races, 13 km and 6 km events, and Bacchus-themed trail runs. With its blend of scenery, tradition and celebration, the Marathon International du Beaujolais delivers a unique experience where the joy of the region is as central as the marathon itself.