( CNN ) -- I 'd already run about half the marathon when the next refreshment table came into view . Thirsty and needing to stay charged for the next 13 miles , I elbowed my way through the crowds of runners and grabbed my drink of choice . A nice glass of full-bodied red wine . This is how it rolls at the Marathon du Medoc , an annual festival of wine and running near Bordeaux , France , in which competitors strive to complete 26 miles and almost as many glasses of the local vin . Now in its 30th edition , the race is something of a legend for marathon runners . Last year I was among 3,300 runners from 53 different nations -- Japan , Canada , Australia -- joining 5,200 competitors from across France . Sure , there are prestige races in London , New York , and Chicago , but the gustatory element is lacking . Even the Paris marathon fails to offer much more than bananas and water . Instead , this marathon weaves through scenic vineyards in the Medoc region , starting in the town of Paulliac , where some of the best Bordeaux wines are produced . The run has a time limit of six hours and 30 minutes and is nicknamed `` the longest marathon in the world '' with little exaggeration . In 2013 , only about 1,100 runners finished under four hours and thirty minutes -- the other 7,400 were in no rush , if they finished at all . Hairy body suits . To compare , the 2013 Paris marathon had an average speed of four hours and 10 minutes . As if it 's not enough that we 're all drinking , the marathon is themed each year , with nearly every participant dressed in costumes . Last year 's theme , `` sci-fi , '' saw runners dressed as aliens , `` Avatar '' characters and a few daring Chewbaccas in full hairy body suits . For this year 's race on September 13 , 2014 , 10,000 competitors are expected to dress to the theme of `` Carnival around the world . '' Increasingly popular , places are hard to come by and many entrants race it competitively to win prizes of -- yep -- wine . While the Medoc has n't resorted to operating the lottery entry systems recently adopted by the Chicago and Paris marathons , competitors now face an online scramble to sign up during several registration waves scheduled by organizers . With more runners than ever expected , locals in Paulliac are getting ready for the 2014 event . Organizers , too , are bracing themselves , preparing more medical care and water stops than typical marathon events to help runners through the stresses and strains of long-distance drinking . Competitors , meanwhile , are likely putting in last-minute training -- early morning runs and extended evenings at their local bars . Polish national Hanna Gierzynska-Zalewska , a Medoc Marathon connoisseur , will run it for the third time this year . `` There are people from all over the globe running this marathon but somehow at that race we all speak the same language , '' she says , `` and it 's not only the wine talking . '' Marathoner Tarun Kumar , 42 years old from Mumbai , is hoping the race will bring the fun back to running , but is hesitant about the unique refreshments . `` Wine , food along the course would be hard to resist and I have no idea how my body will react , '' he says . Dance break . Back on the road during my attempt , jogging from chateau to chateau through the vineyards , most of the other marathoners were staying hydrated as I was , tastings each property 's wares . It 's not every day the Rothschild family opens up its chateau to thousands of sweaty runners , but there we were , stretching our calves , glasses in hand . The runner 's high mixed with slight inebriation and at about the 22-mile mark there was what seemed to be an obligatory dance break as we neared the home stretch . In a bit of pain but eager to complete the last few miles , we guzzled bits of steak , ice cream and oysters with white wine ( never red with oysters -- we 're not animals ) . My belly full and my mind slightly adrift , I crossed the finish line with the rest of the pack , ready for a good stretch and nap . My time of six hours and nine minutes was n't going to break any records , but I thoroughly enjoyed every glass of wine offered along the way . I was n't the only one . Amy Carlson traveled from Minnesota to do the marathon in 2013 -- her first ever despite a distaste for running . She donned a space cowboy suit , complete with antenna sticking out of a cowboy hat and silver body paint for the race . `` I 've watch other marathons where friends have run and everyone looks so miserable , checking their watches , '' Carlson said . `` This event was a joyous 26.2 mile block party . '' Marathon du Medoc , September 13 , 2014 ; 5 , Rue Etienne Dieuzede , Pauillac ; +33 5 56 59 17 20 . Bryan Pirolli is a freelance journalist based in Paris .
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 .