Now in its 30th edition , the race is something of a legend for marathon runners . Held annually in southeastern France , the Marathon du Nord pits runners against 26.2 miles and many bottles of wine . Last year , runners from 53 different nations joined 5,200 competitors from across France . Organizers lay on extra water stations and medical equipment to help runners cope with the rigors of a marathon run .
Held annually in southeastern France , the Marathon du Nord pits runners against 26.2 miles and many bottles of wine . Last year , runners from 53 different nations joined 5,200 competitors from across France . Organizers lay on extra water stations and medical equipment to help runners cope with the rigors of a marathon run .