Exotic Destination

International Marathon of Beaujolais, France

Wine and history lovers rejoice! The annual International Marathon of Beaujolais is scheduled for November 21, and, fingers crossed, it will take place as planned. Situated only 30 minutes from the French culinary capital, Lyon, the Beaujolais region is renowned for its wine production – and racers will get to indulge throughout marathon weekend.

The marathon, started by three local runners after returning from the New York City Marathon in 1995, is always held the third week of November – the same week as the release of the new crop of Beaujolais Nouveau. The first edition drew 40 runners, and by 2001 it had grown to 750. It now attracts more than 16,500 participants from 70 countries. Carole Chenevard of Extra Sports, which provides communications services for the race, describes the atmosphere: “It’s a festive marathon where at least half the runners are dressed in costume. People come to discover the region, the atmosphere and also to party.”

The focus is definitely on having a good time – and how could you not? Runners on both the full and half-marathon courses pass through numerous local wineries, where they sample many different Beaujolais wines, as well as see ancient villages and historic châteaux, including Corcelles, Pizay and Ravatys.

But, as Chenevard explains, the race itself is

just a small part of the festivities: “The marathon lasts four days. On Thursday, local exhibitors and entertainment go on throughout the day. On Friday, 800 people gather for a tasty evening meal at our infamous Pasta Party. Saturday is for the race, post-race dinner and dance party. The weekend wraps up on Sunday with a guided tour, tasting and lunch at Georges Duboeuf ’s Hameau du Vin, the biggest wine theme park in Europe.” (Georges Duboeuf, also known as the king of Beaujolais, who died in January at 86, is the merchant who helped launch the Beaujolais Nouveau craze of the 1990s and transform it into a global phenomenon.)

Instead of a finisher’s medal, participants not only receive a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau to take home, but also their very own tastevin, a small shallow saucer (sometimes worn around the neck) traditionally used by winemakers and merchants when judging the maturity, quality and clarity of wine.

In light of the pandemic, the race organizers plan to enforce all government sanitary guidelines throughout the weekend.

Runners headed to the area should plan to stay a few extra days in Lyon, France’s second-largest city, where history buffs can revel in Roman amphitheatres and medieval and Renaissance architecture. Lyon was also home to the Lumière brothers, who invented modern cinema, and to Paul Bocuse, who revolutionized French cuisine. There is no shortage of things to see and do in the area, pre- or post-race.

Melissa Offner is a television and podcast host, the leader of the North Vancouver run crew RUNDISTRIKT and an avid runner.