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Program
Extras
Address - Parking
Equipment preparation
Prizes awarded
The natural site of the Gorges de l'Ardèche
Our partners
Services & Extras
FREE SHUTTLES
Tourist Office car park to Pont d’arc
The number of parking spaces Pont d'Arc are limited and consequently access is difficult. We strongly advise you to use the shuttle bus service. The free shuttle buses depart from the Vallon Pont d'Arc tourist office, departing every 15 minutes from 08h Saturday.
SNACK BAR- BUVETTE
In addition to the refreshment bar and evening meals (book online), there is a snack bar throughout the weekend. During your visit to the marathon exhibitors village, don't forget to visit the snack bar!
TOMBOLA
Tombola tickets can be purchased from the VPA boutique, at the race confirmation desk and at the bar.
There are some great prizes to be won and the draw will take place after the closing ceremony.
A big thank you to our exhibitors for their support and participation.
ADDRESS - PARKING
HALL "Salle Polyvalente" - VALLON PONT D'ARC
COMPETITORS CAR PARK - LA PETITE MER MARATHON START
251 Passage François Lecler, 07150 Vallon Pont d’arc.
Park in the competitos parking area indicated on the organisation signs. Drop-off point 300m upstream from the start lines.
LE PONT D'ARC - START ARD'RIVER PADDLE, CHALLENGE - ARRIVAL OF THE RUSH
Shuttle buses leave every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. on race day (shuttle bus departure).
Allow about 10 minutes for the shuttle bus journey. It is recommended to use the shuttle for competitors who do not have boats to drop off.
Pont d'arc parking, boat drop-off, rush arrival.
FINISH LINE - SAINT MARTIN D'ARDÈCHE
Many parking areas are available. Depending on the size of your vehicle and if you have a trailer, the volunteers will guide you to the place where you can park. Public toilets are located in a street behind the gourmet market.
MATERIAL PREPARATION
ATTACHING THE MICROcHIP
The microchip is used for your race timing. Itwill be given to you at the same time that you collect your race number (bib). The microchiop must be stuck on the top of the helmet of the team member who will be at the front. Warning - microchips attached to carbon helmets will not be detected at the finish.
RACE NUMBER BIB
There is one race number bib per boat, to be worn by the front crew member. The bib must be returned at the finish and you will receive a lunch ticket in exchange. A charge will n=be made for any race numbers not returned.
In case of withdrawal from the race, please inform the organisation of your number and return the race number bib.
STICKERS
Please stick the stickers on the front right and rear left as follows :
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Helmet and life jacket CE
(article A322-47 of the French Sports Code)
Closed shoes
Suitable thermal clothing
Unsinkable boat
Leash forbidden when paddling
DURING THE RACE
Mid-race refreshments and drinks.
Environmental instructions: Be careful not to make too much noise in the heart of the reserve. No rubbish in the National Nature Reserve. Make sure nothing gets lost in the river (decorations, water bottles, paper, etc.).
AWARDS
LE RUSH
The awards ceremony will take place during the opening ceremony on friday evening at 7pm.
SATURDAY RACES
The prize-giving ceremony will take place in Saint Martin d'Ardèche at 3pm. Prize money will be awarded at the closing ceremony on Sunday evening from 6:30 p.m. Ard'river paddle and Marathon:
1 to 5 boats entered in the category: no prize money.
6 to 10 boats: reward for 1st + 1st junior + 1st veteran (not scratch)
11 boats and more: reward for podium + 1st junior + 1st veteran (not scratch).
ARD'RIVER PADDLE
Prizes will be awarded for single-seater SUP 14', tandem SUP and Dragon SUP 3 or 4, male and female. Prize money. All other craft (SUP>14', va'a, oc1, etc.) will be classified but not rewarded.
MARATHON
3 prize money prizes will be awarded: to the first female boat, the first mixed boat and the first male boat.
CHALLENGE
Prizes will be awarded to the crew with the best fancy dress and the 1st boat (scratch). Prizes will also be awarded for podium finishes: C9 from 6 to 9 people (length 9m max, width 1m10 min), Women's crew , Men's and mixed crew Pirogue V6, 6 people (no rudder, single float), Women's crew Pirogue V6, Men's and mixed crew Handisport category without distinction of boat. No junior/veteran ranking for the challenge. CX from 3 to 12 people (Ladies or Men/Mixed) are classified but not rewarded.
Prize money
THE GORGES DE L'ARDÈCHE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE
Whether you are a competitor or a spectator, the Marathon des Gorges invites you to discover some exceptional sites! Since 1980, the Ardèche Gorges have been classified as a National Nature Reserve, home to over a thousand plant and animal species. Furthermore, from the Pont d'Arc to the confluence of the Ardèche and Rhône rivers, they are classified as a Sensitive Natural Area and a Natura 2000 site due to their remarkable biodiversity. Crossing this exceptional and protected natural site requires adopting a few good practices to minimise our impact :
To find out more about fauna, flora and best practices, visit our website: gorgesdelardeche.fr
A rich and fragile ecosystem
The Ardèche River, with temperatures that can reach 27°C in summer, is home to a diverse range of aquatic fauna. It is home to fish adapted to different environments: gudgeon, Rhone apron, chub and barbel in whitewater, and carp, perch and roach in deeper waters.
Bonelli eagle
The Bonelli eagle, an endangered Mediterranean bird of prey, lives in the region. To protect this species, quiet periods have been introduced from January to June. This discreet eagle nests on cliffs, and its reproduction depends on a calm environment. This year, three pairs have settled in the Natura 2000 site, two of them in the Ardèche gorges.
The beaver
Mainly active at night, the beaver lives at the interface between water and land. Thanks to the particular geology of the gorges, it uses caves for shelter. As you stroll along, you'll be able to spot clues to its presence, such as footprints or piles of branches on the banks.
An environmentally committed event
The Marathon is actively committed to limiting its ecological impact. In collaboration with the association Les Connexions, the event has succeeded in recovering 65% of waste for the 2024 edition. Thanks to the use of reusable crockery and eco-cups, waste production has been significantly reduced.
The site's landscape, archaeological, historical, geomorphological, flora and fauna interests mean that it is protected from the pressures of urban development and the effects of massive tourist numbers. It is thanks to this protection that you may have the chance to observe the fauna present during your race. That's why the organisers ask you to be respectful of the environment throughout the event.
To avoid disturbing wildlife, we ask you to pay particular attention to noise pollution and the noise you make. The aim is to create a quiet zone as you pass through the gorges. (Anyone failing to repect this request may be disqualified by the event organisers). The use of vuvuzelas, foghorns and similar instruments are forbidden, as are the use of smoke bombs. They do no promote the environmental values we all need to adopt.
Anyone failing to respect and comply with these rules may be disqualified by the organisers.
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