Moorea Marathon 2008 :

"I was thoroughly impressed with every aspect." (about: 2007 Moorea Marathon) Comments from T. K. from Canada (10/10/07)

"This was the best experience of my running life!! My husband, 14-year-old daughter, and I all ran the 1/2 marathon. We will never forget this trip. Be prepared for the heat; it was 32 degrees C without the humidity factor. Our three-island trip - not one problem even with all those transfers. Thanks so much. "

Planning for the 20th edition:

Friday 08 February:

Pick up by the organization team (with buses) to go to briefing around 3PM (buses will take you back to your lodging after the pasta party).

Briefing regarding the race.

Meal (the famous pasta party!) for all participants and tahitian fire dance show.

Saturday 09 February: Pick up in front of your lodging by the organization team (with buses) to go to the departure area at around 3AM. Free breakfast at 3h30AM. Race Departure: 4h30AM from Temae Beach, first aid, refreshments and sponges stations located every 2,5 km. Price ceremony at 9h00AM Animations with local bands on the beach until 4PM, traditional handycraft demonstrations. Polynesian Dance Show starting at 5PM Local bands playing music at 7PM till 9PM
		Sunday 10 February : Traditional Polynesian animations at the Temae Beach starting at 8AM: canoe race, traditional sports, fashion show... "Tere Faati" (Animated island tour by buses). "Umu Ti" ("walking on fire" show) : you'll be able to participate too! And just relaxing yourself on the stunning beach of Temae.

The International Moorea Marathon is managed by our partner: the Agency of the Youth and Sports Department in Moorea, their devoted team and his leader the (in?)famous M. Alain NARDI.

A bit of History

It was back in 1971, as part of the 4th South Pacific Games, that a first marathon was organised in Tahiti, followed by a second edition in Moorea, under the impetus of the Athletics League. The third edition only occurred five years later, in 1977. In 1981, the first international marathon is organised with a course between Papara and Pater Stadium. It will regularly take place until 1985.

In 1988, looking for a new breath and a new design, the International Marathon moves to Moorea, with the participation of the island's Tourism Office, which banks on the strong expected spin-off effects in terms of tourism. The first edition of the future Moorea International Marathon is born. It has lasted since then - except in 1991 - and along the years, has turned into an actual "Classic" among the major events that punctuate the French Polyesian sporting life.

In 2000, the Ministry of Youth and Sports takes up again the organisation of that race. For this event to attract as many people as possible, races start in the afternoon. Furthermore, efforts are made regarding side-events such as concerts or fireworks. In 2001, a race is added, exclusively for young students from junior and senior high schools. It is called the relay-marathon organised by ASSP. In 2002, USEP joined the race.

In 2003, a marathon village opens its doors from 8 to 16 February on the public beach of Temae, with various local activities. A new team is now in charge of the organisation of Moorea Marathon and it is their intention to make this "Classic" last over time, with the assistance of all the partners and the sports and youth associations of the island. The Moorea Youth and Sports Agency, with its supporting association Te Moorea Club, has ever since run that event, outweighing any other organisation.

In 2005, the Club sets as an objective to promote Moorea sporting events at an international level. It initiates promotion campaigns in Paris, Monaco, London, Las Vegas...

In 2006, after several trips to mainland France, our steering committee considers establishing closer links with running fanatics from mainland France. Mr. Alain Nardi, the organiser of Moora Marathon, signs a Twinning Charter with Mr. R. Ladent and Mr. J. Peyrard, organisers of the Hero Drôme and Nature Marathon dated 13 May, in the presence of Mr. Teriitepaiatua, Mayor of Moorea-Maiao, Mr. H. Mariton, Member of Parliament and Mayor of Crest, Mrs. G. Mahotu, President of the Tourism Committee of Moorea and Mr. J. Gorce, President of the Tourist Office of Crest. Such twinning aims at bringing our sporting events closer, at promoting exchanges between French Polynesia and mainland France, at fostering the development of our offspring through sport and through the stimulation provided by competition.