Marathon des Villages

Cap or not to cap to come run on the Cap Ferret peninsula ?

Set sail toward the Arcachon Basin and get ready for a monstrous adventure. The Marathon des villages de la presqu’île de Lège-Cap Ferret showcases the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in Gironde with a promise of idyllic scenery for running! We’ll meet you in October, during Toussaint holidays, to start a course that is demanding even for the most seasoned runners. But don’t worry, nothing insurmountable, and the landscapes will make you forget the difficulty. Lège Cap Ferret is a premier destination for thousands of visitors each year, and it’s not without reason. If you’ve never explored this part of France, you’re very likely to fall for it too. On this race occasion, three events are offered to participants: a solo marathon, a relay marathon, and a 11 km. Still bring something to cover up, even though the forecast is usually nice and perfect for running, the weather is very changeable along the Atlantic coasts.

Regarding the Cap Ferret marathon course, you’ll be treated to one of the country’s most beautiful routes 🤩. The path forms an 8, with a first loop of 16 km and a second of 26 km. A quick note about the relay marathon : the first runner completes the “small” loop before passing the baton to a teammate. You’re indeed running a marathon, but the course isn’t flat; there are more than 450 mD+ of elevation. No worries, you’ll conquer these gentle climbs smoothly. Ocean on one side and basin on the other, you’ll traverse the peninsula from end to end. Asphalt, dirt and forest roads, a few gentle uphill sections: everything you need to spice up your strides.

Plus, you’ll be carried by sensational landscapes where you can admire the Arcachon Basin’s rich environment with the Atlantic Ocean as an accomplice 🌊. You’ll weave through the forests typical of the area, where you can breathe in that enchanting scent blending resin and marine air. Yes, you’ll also get a beach stop, but don’t panic, you won’t have sand in your shoes. To continue your tour, you’ll pass through the oyster villages. Besides, you won’t miss admiring the famous colorful bohemian huts, which give them a very distinctive style, like that of the Herbe or the Canon (watch out for the boulets 😆) where you can get set before sampling a few dozen of oysters after the race. The oceanic forest won’t hold any secrets for you, just like the Pointe aux Chevaux with its view over the basin and the Cap Ferret lighthouse 💡. This red-and-white lighthouse is sort of the race emblem, always visible, guiding you like it does sailors at sea toward the island’s finest panoramas. If you opt for the hike, it’s pure pleasure. At a slower pace, you’ll be able to admire even more oyster villages, smell the pine resins, and listen to the waves of the ocean.

After all your efforts, the Girondin cuisine will recharge you with the menu featuring oysters served with an excellent Bordeaux wine (to be enjoyed in moderation) and some canelés for dessert. You can also cross the Arcachon Basin by boat to visit Arcachon with its winter town, its sublime beaches, and continuing a little further the very famous Dune du Pilat.

You’ll think you’ve “Ferret” the right move with this find of the Marathon des villages, and you’re absolutely right! By the way, we can also suggest the Half Marathon of the peninsula. Half the distance for the same level of enjoyment as the marathon, so honestly nothing more to say. Especially since both events complement each other if you want to run the whole peninsula 😉. The race is calling you and that’s totally normal, but beware, you’re not alone, and bibs go fast! 🤭