Michael Cox inspires marathon effort

Friends and family of Michael Cox, Master of the Vintners, who died earlier this year, have announced plans to run this year’s Médoc marathon in his memory.

Peter Richards MW, Lynne Cox, Susie Barrie MW

“Team Cox” consists of Michael’s wife Lynne, his twin brother David, husband and wife MW team Susie Barrie and Peter Richards, Eduardo Chadwick, Francisco Baettig and Andres Izquierdo of Viña Errazuriz, Alvaro Arriagada from Wines of Chile, Greg Sherwood MW and Vicky Thompson from Handford Wines and Richard Dare from Avery’s Wine Merchants.

Together the runners are aiming to raise at least £10,000 for drinks trade charities The Benevolent, which supports those suffering from illness or unforeseen circumstances, and The Vintners’ Foundation, which helps those working to tackle alcohol misuse or provide alcohol education.

Explaining the decision to pay tribute to Michael in this way, Peter Richards MW said: “We want to celebrate Michael’s wonderful life, generous nature and fun-loving spirit of adventure in running this fantastic marathon through the great vineyards of Bordeaux.

“We know Michael would have approved, not just of the fact it’s a marathon that features red wine, oysters and a fancy dress theme but also because we’re doing it for two great causes very close to his heart.”

“We have a fine and plucky team – some Chilean, some English, one South African, all skilled in the art of claret – and we would all dearly love and appreciate any support, in whatever form it may take, so we can achieve something special in memory of a fabulous man.”

This year’s Marathon du Médoc takes place on 13 September, starting in Pauillac and with a 2014 theme of “Countries of the world and their carnivals”. Anyone wishing to support the runners can donate via this link.