This competition, which featured winners such as Driss Dacha, lasted until 1989 (with shorter 20 km races occurring in 1983 to 1985).

Following the absence of a race in 1990, the Marathon de La Rochelle was established in its place, having its first edition on 24 November, 1991.

Following the sudden death of Serge Vigot, the race founder and president of the organising committee, during the 2005 Marrakech Marathon, the event was officially renamed the Marathon De La Rochelle - Serge Vigot in his honour.

It has a double-looped figure-8 format and a flat race profile, which makes it easier for elite runners to record fast times.

[5] The runners in the marathon are predominantly French, but the elite level races attract East African and other European athletes.