An agency of the Youth and Sports Department in Moorea

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.