Argentina is getting ready to host the 2026 International Canoe Federation Canoe Marathon World Championships.
The city of Gualeguaychu has been selected as the host of the ICF flagship event, with racing scheduled to take place from October 22 to 25, 2026.
It will mark another major step forward in the globalisation of Canoe Marathon as it will be the first time the World Championships has been staged in South America.
Gualeguaychu is a city in the province of Entre Rios located 230km north of Buenos Aires and close to the border of Uruguay.
Argentina has a strong tradition in canoeing and continues to produce top-class marathon paddlers, as Pedro Agustin Ratto recently claimed world silver in the men’s kayak single U23 category.
The 2026 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships will be held in conjunction with the Pan American Canoe Marathon Championships.
Gualeguaychu will also hold the ICF Canoe Marathon Masters World Championships from October 19 to 20, 2026.
Ruud Heijselaar, Chair of the ICF Canoe Marathon Committee, said the allocation of the World Championships to Gualeguaychu marked an historic milestone for the sport in the Americas.
“This will be the first time that the world's best marathon athletes will compete in South America and the first time since 2019 that the event will be held outside Europe,” said Mr Heijselaar.
“For the global development of our sport, it is necessary to move to a different continent every four years.”
Mauricio Caffa, Chair of the Canoe Marathon Committee for both the Pan American Canoe Federation and Argentina Canoe Federation, is excited to welcome the best marathon paddlers in the world to South America.
Mr Caffa attended the Closing Ceremony of this year’s successful World Championships in Gyor, Hungary, where he received the ICF flag from Mr Heijselaar in an official handover.
“For our National Federation, it is the most important event we have had,” said Mr Caffa.
“For South America, it is the first opportunity for an event of this level to take place there, so we are very happy and grateful, but nervous and impatient for the time to come.
“We want you to know our country, our rivers, and how the marathon is lived in Argentina.
“As a former marathon paddler, it’s a dream come true for me.
“As an organiser and spectator, we are all very excited and working so that everyone gets the best impression of our country.
“We know that it is a very long trip for most people, but we will do everything possible to help them and make everything pleasant and unforgettable.”
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