Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace.
The Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace runs from Dorlisheim through the vineyards at the foot of the Vosges to Molsheim, with music, costumes and wine and food stands along the way. In racing terms the second half decides it: the climbs through the vine slopes sit between kilometre 15 and 33.
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
The start is at Carrefour Dorlisheim and the finish in the Village Marathon in the historic centre of Molsheim, less than two kilometres away. Between them the course draws a wide loop through 17 villages, partly on the Route des Vins d'Alsace. After a slight rise over the first three kilometres, the course drifts gently down to kilometre 15.
From kilometre 15.7 the character changes: a climb of a little over 1.3 kilometres and about 70 metres leads up into the vine slopes, with a second one at kilometre 18.4. After a calmer section, kilometre 27.4 brings almost a kilometre with ramps above ten percent, and kilometre 31.8 a short pitch of similar steepness. The last eight kilometres drop back to the valley and run flat into Molsheim.
The surface is asphalt and vineyard service tracks. The organiser frames the race as a party: many runners wear costumes, twelve relais gastro-viniques serve Alsace wine and local food, and bands play in the villages. The finish leads into the Village Marathon, and the winners take home their weight in wine.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 15.7 | 1.3 km | 5.2 % | 9.7 % | +69 m | — |
| km 18.4 | 0.5 km | 5 % | 9 % | +23 m | — |
| km 22.4 | 0.4 km | 3.7 % | 4.7 % | +14 m | — |
| km 27.4 | 0.9 km | 5.2 % | 12.5 % | +48 m | — |
| km 31.8 | 0.5 km | 6.1 % | 12.4 % | +27 m | — |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace.
Start under control
The first half drifts gently downhill on flat ground and invites a pace you will pay for later. Run it with some restraint, because almost all of the race's climbing sits between kilometre 15 and 33.
Hold your rhythm
The ramps at kilometre 27 and 32 decide the day. They arrive just as glycogen runs low, and at over ten percent they are steep enough to break your stride. Climb them on feel rather than pace, and use the descents afterwards to loosen up rather than to claw back time.
Spend what is left
The real trap is the stations. Stopping at every wine stand costs rhythm and minutes; if you are racing the clock, decide in advance where you stop and drink mostly water. The flat final kilometres into Molsheim reward anyone who did not overcook the hills.
Training plan for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace: 12-week build
Build the base
For most runners the marathon takes between three and a half and five and a half hours. The effort is mostly aerobic and steady, broken in the second half by short, steep ramps that briefly push well above marathon intensity.
Train race pace
The key is still being able to run those climbs strongly after 27 and 32 kilometres. Put hilly sections into the second half of your long runs so your legs know climbing on fatigue. Short hill sprints and hill runs with steep pitches build the strength for ramps above ten percent.
Rehearse the course
The route uses asphalt and service tracks through open vine slopes, with little shade. Practise fuelling on the move, and practise stopping and restarting if you plan to use the stands. With the race at the end of May, do some long runs in warmer weather.
Arrive fresh
The focus is endurance with climbing in the final third, controlled pace on the flat sections, and a fuelling plan that fits the festive character of the day.
Courses
Download the Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace.
How long is Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace?
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace is 42.2 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace have?
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace has around 440 m of elevation gain over 42.2 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace?
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace is classified as Rolling, averaging 10.5 vertical metres per kilometre. 43% of the route is flat, 25% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 2% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace have?
The hardest climb of Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace starts at kilometre 15.7, runs for 1.3 km at an average of 5.2% and gains 69 metres. 5 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace a loop course?
Yes, Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace course?
Yes. The Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace?
Preparation for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace should account for 42.2 km, 440 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace?
The pacing strategy for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace should reflect 42.2 km, 440 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace take place?
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace takes place on May 30, 2027.
Where does Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace take place?
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace takes place in Molsheim, France.
Which distances does Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace offer?
Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace offers 4 distances — Marathon: 42.2 km; Semi-Marathon: 21.1 km; 10 km: 10 km; 5 km: 5 km.
How do I register for Marathon du Vignoble d'Alsace?
Registration runs through the organiser: marathon-alsace.com. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
