With 850 volunteers mobilized to manage the 8th edition of the Marathon des Vins de la Côte chalonnaise, which will take place on Saturday, March 28th – with one volunteer for less than ten participants – this sports and festive event at the beginning of spring further leaves its mark on the Chalon territory.
Gathered Thursday evening at the Colisée lounge in Chalon-sur-Saône, at the invitation of the organizing staff, the volunteers are “the beating heart of this event, to which your loyalty gives meaning to the marathon,” as stated by Stéphane Bérard, vice-president of MV2C. “You are landmarks, providing information, advice, security, encouragement. You help to make this event live and grow. Thank you for your time, your commitment, and everything you bring, often in the shadows,” he continued.
An commitment praised by the mayor of Chalon, Gilles Platret, who highlighted the impressive cohort ready to manage “an event that is both sporting, gustatory, heritage, tourist, and above all convivial. An event that radiates throughout the Côte chalonnaise and unmistakably promotes our region, on the threshold of the tourist season.” Because “this marathon is not just a race,” added the president of Grand Chalon, Dominique Juillot. “It is a beautiful collective story, of generosity, good humor, and pride for our territory.”
A meeting of friendship
Labelled as “Challenge de la convivialité”, the marathon passes through 16 communes (including five for Sunday hikes) and boasts 55% of participants in costume. More than half of the participants come from outside Burgundy and the event transcends national borders with 28 nationalities represented this year, for around 230 runners. Starting Thursday, the Marateam from the colleges will mobilize 450 students from 14 schools. On Friday, probably more than 800 primary and kindergarten students will compete in several races. On Saturday, 7,800 athletes will be in Givrotine lands from the first light of day to run and eat at “the best table in France over 42 km,” with 18 festive and sports refreshment stations. Finally, on Sunday, Buxy will host hiking enthusiasts, with four different routes to choose from. All this with safety as the key word, as reiterated by André Genot, with the role of signaling agents, as well as the presence of a dynamic surveillance system of 24 gendarmes and a medical support system involving 80 people.
