Runner drinks 25 glasses of wine in London Marathon

When most think of marathon preparation, images of long runs, carbohydrate loading, and plenty of hydration come to mind—typically with water, not wine. However, Tom Gilbey, a 52-year-old wine connoisseur, took a different approach to the London Marathon, transforming the grueling 26.2-mile race into a vino-tasting venture that not only challenged his palate but also raised a toast-worthy £14,000 for charity.

Instead of energy bars and isotonic drinks, Gilbey was equipped with a running belt carrying two glasses, ready to embark on a unique challenge: blind tasting a different wine at every mile marker. From a sharp 2018 Burgundy pinot noir at mile one to a variety of other selections, he aimed to identify each wine's vintage, grape, and producer on the run—literally. Remarkably, Gilbey managed to correctly identify 21 out of the 25 wines, although, by his own admission, the accuracy of his guesses hazed as the finish line drew closer.

The pursuit of pairing marathon running with wine tasting might sound bizarre, but for Gilbey, it was all in good spirits and for a good cause. The idea, dreamt up and organized by his son Freddie, was not only a test of endurance and wine knowledge but also a heartfelt tribute to raise funds for Sobell House Hospice Charity in Oxford, which cared for his mother in her final weeks.

Gilbey's strategy for staying sober? Sipping and, sometimes, spitting. "If they were good, I might swallow it and if they were bad, they went on the road," he explained. This method helped him avoid the woozy effects of the wine, though it didn't save him from being overtaken by a runner dressed as a fridge—a moment he recounted with both a chuckle and a sigh.

Beyond the laughs and the novelty of his marathon method, Gilbey's effort has not gone unnoticed. His quirky wine marathon caught the eyes of many, with a TikTok video of his tastings going viral, and it certainly raised more than just eyebrows with his impressive fundraising achievement.

Despite the fun and festivity of the event, not everyone is keen on mixing marathon running with merlot. James Ellis, an ultra-marathon runner, pointed out that while red wine does contain beneficial polyphenols, the negative effects of alcohol on muscle growth, hydration, and energy levels make it less than ideal for athletic performance.

While Gilbey has no plans to participate in similar wine-infused marathons like France's Marathon du Medoc, his adventurous spirit and dedication to a cause close to his heart mark a memorable moment in marathon history. It's a tale of how wine, whimsy, and wellness can converge on the cobblestones of London, proving that sometimes, the best way to run through life is with a glass in hand and a good cause on your mind.