2:09 Events
Events House
63 Osborne Road
Farnborough
Hants
GU14 6AP

Tel 01252 373797
Fax 01252 373794
Email info@209events.com

Running and fine wine and food - a match made in heaven - and unlike most wine marathons this one is spread over three days so you can enjoy the wine from the excellent vineyards of the Pic St Loup Appellation in a civilized fashion after each of the three runs.  

The third running of the Marathon du Vin - Pic St Loup is a marathon held in 3 daily stages with the opportunity to taste the up-and-coming fine wines of the Pic St Loup Appellation near Montpellier in the South of France.

The event is based around the Wine Market in the pretty village of Valfluanes, where the Mayor has asked us to finish the 21km in front of the village hall so that runners get the atmosphere of the market immediately after finishing.

We're not the worlds best wine critics, but we are learning fast, so for some more informed information see what Wine Anorac and respected wine writer Jancis Robinson have to say.

The daily stages events will be:

Friday 18th October: Prologue - 5km Trail Run - this will be held from a different vineyard in the Pic St Loup AOC every year - for 2012 we will be decided in June each year by the local syndicate. Post race pasta party and wine tasting to round off the prologue evening.

Saturday 19th October: 16km Pic St Loup Trail Run - from the Domaine de l'Hortus the run will start at the lovely setting of l'Hortus then pick up the rocky limestone trail that makes its way around the Pic St Loup. We have made some changes to the route this year to make it more accessable to slower runners. This is still a demanding trail with a number of stiff climbs and a tricky descent - but the effort is rewarded by stunning views. Morning start. Light lunch follows then a visit to l'Hortus vineyard to learn about the viniculture and taste some of the wines from the estate.

Views from the route.

Sunday 20th October: Half Marathon - Valflaunes - the marathon distance is completed with this Half Marathon around the vine yards on the slopes of Pic St Loup.

The route is a mixture of road at the start in Valflaunes for 2.5km then onto woodland trails from the small commune of Mazet, which is in the shardow of the Hortus Escarpment.   You then turn on to the main firebreak and a gradual climb on a wide trail under the escarpment before a short section of road and then further along the escarpment. 

From 12km there's a descent to Cazaneuve, with fabulous views of the vineyards in the valley below. The final section is on gently undualating dirt roads before a slight rise into the village of Valflaunes  for the finish infront of the Village Hall. See the route here.

At some of the drinks stations we will be able to turn water into wine for your pleasure and after the race try out some of the wines as you wonder around the street market. the day finishes with our private 3-course lunch and prize giving.

The Semi Marathon route

BOOK THIS HOILIDAY ONLINE

RACE ENTRY ONLY

Thur 17th Oct: Fly to Montpellier (not included in the price). Transfer to the 4-star Holiday Inn Montpellier, located in the centre of this historic city with one of the oldest Universities of Medicine in the World. Bed & Breakfast basis.

Fri 18th Oct: Morning at leisure in Montpellier. Transfer by bus to the start of the 5km Prologue Run - the 5km is in a different location each year so that it visits all the vineyards of the Appelation - this year it is at the Bergerie du Capucin. Pasta party following the run then transfer by bus back to your hotel.

Sat 19th Oct: Early breakfast then transfer to Domaine de l'Hortus for the 16km Trail Run around Pic St Loup. This is a demanding trail but the effort is rewarded by fantastic scenery. Bread, local cold meats and cheese for lunch followed by a visit to the l'Hortus cellar . Transfer back to Montpellier.

Sun 20th Oct:  Early breakfast then transfer to Valflaunes. Opportunities for wine tasting followed by 3-course lunch. Return transfer to Montpellier.

Mon 21st Oct: Time at leisure in Montpellier depending on your flight. Transfer from Holiday Inn to Montpellier Airport.  

BOOK THIS HOILIDAY ONLINE

HOLIDAY INN MONTPELLIER**** Information Restaurant Hotel has a superb, gastronomic restaurant with a gorgeous view over the secluded gardens. In the warmer months meals can be taken on the terrace. Exterior This is a beautiful, traditional hotel. Lobby The lobby is of medium size and welcoming and it includes a cosy bar area. General The hotel has retained most of its original features but, being set in a tiny street, access is slightly difficult. Facilities Total Number of Rooms: 84 Earliest check-in at 12:00 Room Service from 6:00 to 22:30 4 floors Car rental facilities Laundry facilities Medium sized lobby 2 lifts 1 outdoor pool Gymnasium Baby sitting Disabled facilities Room Types - Single rooms - Double rooms - Twin rooms - Triple rooms - Suites - Non-smoking rooms Location: Central 8 kms to the nearest airport (montpellier) Close to the station (montpellier city centre) 1 km to the nearest fair site (le corum) 8 km to the nearest beach The hotel is very centrally located, just a few steps from the train station and minutes from the "place de la comedy" shops. Standard All the rooms vary in shape and size (from small to medium), they are furnished in a modern style and in very good condition.   Facilities Connection for laptop Satellite television Direct dial phone Trouser press Air conditioning In-house movie Mini bar Automatic wake-up call Television Radio Hairdryer Voltage 220v   Standard All the rooms vary in shape and size (from small to medium), they are furnished in a modern style and in very good condition.   Facilities Connection for laptop Satellite television Direct dial phone Trouser press Air conditioning In-house movie Mini bar Automatic wake-up call Television Radio Hairdryer Voltage 220v

BOOK THIS HOILIDAY ONLINE

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Included in Full Package:
4-Nights at Holiday Inn Montpellier on bed & breakfast basis
Airport-Hotel Transfers
Race Day Transfer
Pasta Party (Friday)
Light lunch (Saturday)
Auction 3-course Lunch (Sunday)

Race Entry Only:
Full Marathon includes the Pasta Party but not the 3-course Sunday lunch.
Pasta Party Tickets should be purchased in advance for spectors and/or half marathon only runners if they wish to attend.

Race Entry Only Transfers:
*Return transfers from Holiday Inn Montpellier each day for Full Marathon - runners & spectotors
**Return transfer from the Holliday Inn Montpellier for the Half Marathon day only - runners & spectors