More Than 1,500 Paddlers Take on the Legendary Ardèche Gorge Marathon

The 42nd edition of the International Ardèche Gorge Marathon lived up to all expectations on Saturday, 7 November 2026. Following autumn rainfall in the days leading up to the event, which brought water levels to an ideal level for racing, competitors enjoyed glorious sunshine and near-perfect conditions on the river.

More than 1,500 participants representing over 20 nations took to the water for a legendary descent from the iconic Pont d’Arc to Saint-Martin-d’Ardèche, paddling through the spectacular Ardèche Gorges National Nature Reserve.

Located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of south-eastern France, the Ardèche Gorges are one of the country’s most remarkable natural landscapes. Carved by the Ardèche River through limestone cliffs, this spectacular canyon is renowned for its dramatic scenery, natural arches and winding waterways. The Pont d’Arc, a monumental natural limestone arch spanning the river, is one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.

Organised by local club Vallon Plein Air (VPA), with the support of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Council, the Ardèche Department, EF and numerous private partners, the event has once again confirmed its position as a major international gathering for canoeing, kayaking and outdoor sports.

Around 300 volunteers helped ensure the smooth running of the event, while thousands of spectators gathered along the river to cheer on the competitors.

An edition shaped by changing conditions and enhanced safety measures

The organisers faced several challenges in the run-up to the event. The Pont d’Arc Rush, scheduled for the previous day, had to be cancelled, while adjustments were made to race arrangements, including some changes to start and finish locations. Additional safety measures were also implemented on the water.

These adaptations proved successful. All races went ahead smoothly, and competitors expressed their satisfaction with the event. The favourable water levels provided the perfect setting for some exciting sporting battles across all disciplines.

Olympic athlete Léa Jamelot lends her support as event ambassador

This year’s event was supported by Léa Jamelot, Olympic kayaker, speaker and filmmaker, who acted as its official ambassador.

Her involvement helped broaden the programme of activities beyond the races themselves. Highlights included a conference exploring the parallels between elite sport and the business world, as well as a screening of her film during the event’s closing celebrations.

Léa also took the time to meet local secondary school students on Friday afternoon, sharing her experience and discussing the demands and rewards of high-level kayaking.

2026 Marathon de l’Ardèche Race Results

SUP – Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Men

1. Michael Fargier – 1:41:41
2. Xavier Gensse – 1:42:48
3. Aubin Petit – 1:44:44

Women

1. 1. Olympe Vernède – 1:53:17
   2. Hélène Noisette – 2:05:01
   3. Marion Givaudan – 2:07:48

Challenge – Team Events
Overall standings (V6 outrigger canoe)

1. Castelnaud en Périgord Kayak Club – 1:22:21
2. Club Canoë Kayak des Gorges de l’Ardèche (Manu’Ura 13) – 1:27:33
3. Terre de Camargue – Llibertat (first all-female crew)

C9 Ontario canoe

1. Hydrostadium – 1:28:22
2. Bugey Rhône Canoë Kayak – 1:31:40
3. Périgueux Canoë Kayak

Best fancy dress award:
1. The Surgeons

Marathon – K2 (Two-person Kayaks)
Overall standings – Men

1. Linus Becker and Andreas Betzin (Germany) – 1:27:37
2. Cyrille Carré and Nicolas Paufler – 1:27:49
3. Maxence Barouh and Augustin Reboul – 1:28:07

Women’s K2 winners

1. 1. Noa Pradalier and Camille Desmerger – 1:41:59

   Men’s K1 winners

   1. Enno Roggenbrodt (K1 Junior) – 1:36:17
   2. Côme Donnet – 1:36:19
   3. Anze Urankar – 1:36:26

   Women’s K1 winners

   1. Eve Vitali-Guilbert
   2. Hanna Bedenjak
   3. Sophia Piaskowski

   Full race results are available on our website or via the following link:
   https://resultats.chronocompetition.com/Marathon2026/

   Words from the event

   Léa Jamelot, event ambassador:

   “What a day! Fantastic weather, perfect conditions, stunning scenery and outstanding organisation. This edition really had it all! We had an amazing time paddling through the Gorges. A huge thank you to all the volunteers and partners who made it possible.”

   The President of Vallon Plein Air:

   “It was an emotional day, but also a wonderfully sunny one! Following the cancellation of the Rush start, we kept a close eye on river levels and monitored how conditions were evolving.

   The water level dropped quickly enough for us to consider going ahead with the Marathon. After carefully assessing the conditions, we decided to maintain the race, with a few adjustments to the Paddle and Challenge finish arrangements to ensure everyone’s safety.

   All races were ultimately able to take place in good conditions. It was a fantastic day of sport on the Ardèche!