Bacchus Wine Half Marathon & 10K

The Bacchus Wine Half Marathon and 10K is a celebration of award-winning English wine, fine food, fancy dress, music … and a little bit of running. Despite what you may have heard, Bacchus is a real running race with all the trappings of a professionally organised event: an accurate, well-marked course, fabulous medal, chip timing and full medical support, but in many ways the running is the least important part of the day.

The course, which weaves in and out of Denbies Vineyard and sections of the North Downs, is stunningly beautiful but tremendously challenging too. So fast times are difficult at best, but your other impediments to a fast time are the wine, and if you are really entering into the spirit of Bacchus the fancy dress because it’s quite difficult trying to run quickly wrapped up in dozens of balloons masquerading as a grape or a range of other ingenious outfits.

If you are running the Half Marathon, you’ll have six chances to sample a selection of wines produced on the estate en route. The 10K runners visit two of the wine stops. In addition to the wines each drinks station will also be serving a selection of snack food – fresh fruit, cheese and biscuits or a selection of deserts to name a few – often to the accompaniment of live music. It is those aid stations which separate Bacchus from other events. They are to be savoured and enjoyed rather than to be rushed past at speed. Far from running a PB, it is quite likely that Bacchus will be your slowest ever half marathon or 10K and you should be proud to admit it. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

If six wine stops are not enough, you’ll have your chance to sample more food and wine (as well as beer and soft drinks) just after the finish at the legendary post-race hog roast where the music goes on long into the afternoon and early evening.

The Half Marathon is limited to 1800 runners going off in six waves every 10 minutes from 9.30am onwards, the 10K has 1200 runners in four waves. As the reputation of the event has grown so too has the demand for the places. As we said 2023 sold out some weeks before race date, don’t delay your entry if you want to take part in this wonderful event.