It started with the crazy idea of making the Ardèche gorges the meeting place for paddle sports lovers.  5 people organised in 15 days a canoe kayak race the 28 km between the Pont d'Arc and Saint Martin d'Ardèche. There were 130 competitorsin this first race.

1986  the marathon has to face mother nature

The choice of the date of the event is strategic (the end of the season for athletes), but autumn is also the season which is subject to violent floods. This twist of fate could have put an end to the organisation.  But on the contrary, the notoriety of the marathon is growing

1991  the marathon takes on an international dimension

12 countries are represented, a line-up and a direction for the organisation, that previously they had only  dreamed of.  The marathon event has become a legend.

1993  over 1000 participants

1350 competitors are at the start line. The marathon becomes the "must-do" end-of-season event for paddler from all disciplines.  Faced with the increase in the number of participants, the race start line is now relocated to la petite mer at  Vallon Pont d'Arc.

1994  Record of the event 1h27'50"

With ideal weather conditions and a water level at the limit of flood levels, the Olympic athletes Bregeon-Preaux push themselves in front of the previous years  Swiss winners, with a record time of 1h27'50". 

1995-2015 The success of the event grows year on year 

Over the years, the organisation gradually builds up a reserve of local, loyal volunteers, who are vital to ensuring the success of the event.  The International Marathon of the Gorges of the Ardèche has become a formidable showcase for the stunning natural beauty of the southern Ardèche - generous and proud.  It is the most spectacular en mass canoe kayak event on the international calendar.  Technology is moving forward.  The modernisation of time keeping means saying goodbye manual timekeeping and using more accurate electronic chips.

Over the years, the conviviality of the Ardèche Gorge Marathon,  makes the heart of the Ardèche beat.  Nature commands respect, the river and the elements dictate the conditions and leaves us inspired and in awe.

2016  New : Stand up paddle

Halfway between surfing and kayaking, the stand-up paddle also known as SUP, or simply paddle, is booming.  Naturally, the organising team decided to plan an event dedicated to this new sport.  It takes not just courage, but enormous motivation to set off on a stand up paddle for the 27 km of turbulent water from Pont d'Arc to Saint Martin d'Ardèche.

2021  An edition in the midst of a pandemic