The world’s top six booziest runs

Love wine, but hate running? These races might change your mind.

Image: www.clublasanta.co.uk

Never thought you could run a marathon? How about a marathon where you’re rewarded with a wine tasting after each mile? A five mile run for which you are rewarded with beer? Would running through beautiful French vineyards make running… fun? These boozy marathons and races across the world are for those who might need a little more encouragement to run 26 miles. And with races offering wine, beer and whisky tastings, there’s something for everyone.

Marathon du Médoc, France

Image: Marathon du Médoc

Perhaps the most famous boozy run, the Marathon du Médoc is the one for wine lovers. This laid-back race sees entrants run through the beautiful vineyards of Médoc, though taking plenty of breaks at the 23 wine tasting stops, with an oyster tasting at the 38th kilometre-mark and steak at the 39th kilometre.

There’s live music with orchestras dotted throughout the course, and runners typically come in costume; add the wine and it sounds more like a party than a race. Might be one for fans of wine rather than fans of running.

Bacchus Marathon and Half Marathon, Surrey

Image: www.run-bacchus.com

The Bacchus Marathon and Half-Marathon sees entrants run laps around England’s largest vineyard, Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey, with wine stations dotted along the way.

Runners will encounter five wine tastings on the half marathon, and 10 tastings on the full marathon. The Bacchus Marathon is a great way to taste English wines while experiencing the vineyards they come from. Plus, the Bacchus Marathon was voted the second best UK half-marathon by Runners World readers in 2013..

Harpoon 5-Miler, Boston

Image: www.harpoonhelps.com

The Harpoon Brewery in Boston, USA hosts an annual five mile race that raises money for ALS research. Last year they poured 115 kegs of beer, which is the equivalent of 12,000 glasses of beer. With only 5,000 runners, the Harpoon 5-Miler is definitely one of the booziest races we’ve heard of. A charity race has to be one of the best excuses to drink beer: it’s all for a great cause!

The Dramathon

Image: www.thedramathon.com

This race is for whisky lovers. Head to Scotland and run between famous whisky distilleries, such as Balvenie and Glenfiddich, before claiming your single malt whisky at the finish line. Plus, there are whisky prizes for the winners and runners-up. The Dramathon hosts 10k, half-marathon and full marathon races, so it’s suitable for people with varying running experience. The only requirement is that you’re a fan of Scotch!

Lanzarote Wine Run

Image: clublasanta.co.uk

Run around the beautiful La Geria vineyard in sunny Lanzarote, and taste the island’s wines along the way. Once you’ve finished the race, either the half marathon or a 12k, enjoy a food festival at the end of the route, offering the best of what Lanzarote has to offer. This year, the race takes place over the weekend of 15 and 16 June.

Windsor Run & Wine, California

image: runwinecountry.com

Don’t love the idea of drinking on a run? Reward yourself and relax with a drinks festival after the race is over! The Windsor Run & Wine in Sonoma County, California, hosts 5k, 10k and half-marathon races, ending in a beer and wine festival at the Windsor Town Hall.