Posted: April 7, 2006

Running: Marathon Tours And Travel Issues “Last Call” For Medoc Marathon Entries

BOSTON (April 7, 2006) – North American runners looking to gain entry into the Medoc Marathon, known as the world’s zaniest 26.2-mile moving party, have only a couple of more weeks to do so, announced Marathon Tours and Travel officials today. All of the entries from North America must be submitted to the French race via Marathon Tours by April 20, 2006.

Set for September 9, 2006, Le Marathon des Châteaux du Médoc is notorious for its rare blend of wine tasting and marathon running, or a version thereof. The sip and run spectacle features an outlandishly costumed field and is so popular that it consistently sells out months in advance. Only 100 of the 8,000 entries are allotted to North American participants.

“It’s by far the most fun you can have with your running shoes on,” said Thom Gilligan, president of Marathon Tours and Travel. Routed through 59 vineyards and the fabled villages of France's Bordeaux region, the course description reads much like a wine list with landmarks and vineyards, such as; Chateau Lafite Rothschild, Chateau Mouton Rothschild, Lynch-Bages and Pichon Longueville, among others.

Runners are treated to wine stops at every mile, raw oysters, live music and other assorted merriment along the way, some of which is more enjoyable and palatable than others. “The Medoc Marathon is also known as the world’s longest marathon for obvious reasons,” said Gilligan.

The Marathon Tours Medoc Marathon travel package includes: a six-night stay in Bordeaux, guided tours of historic chateaus and vineyards, wine tasting, fine dining and coach transportation. For more information, visit www.marathontours.com or call (800) 444-4097.

Marathon Tours and Travel, the leading marathon tour operator in the U.S., offers comprehensive travel packages to marathons worldwide including, Antarctica, Easter Island and the Safaricom Marathon in Kenya, the only marathon run entirely within a game park.

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