Welcome to a marathon like no other, where the path is not just about distance but also about the soul-stirring journey it encompasses. The Bodh Gaya Marathon Route is a sacred pilgrimage, taking you through places of religious significance that have shaped the very essence of spirituality. Lace up your shoes, and let us guide you through this extraordinary experience.
“The One who has conquered himself is a far greater hero than he who has defeated a thousand times a thousand men.”
Gautam Buddha
Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Garh, Dhramaranya Temple & Dungeswari
Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Garh, Dhramaranya Temple
Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Garh
The Bodhgaya Marathon Committee (BMC), driven by a passionate NGO composed of members who share a collective vision of fostering global harmony and spiritual enlightenment, is dedicated to promoting world peace. The Committee is organizing the Bodh Gaya Marathon—an event that aims to unite seekers from diverse backgrounds in a shared journey of self-discovery. Through this platform, they seek to inspire individuals to transcend boundaries, embrace compassion, and find solace in the pursuit of spirituality. With unwavering dedication, the Committee aims to create a ripple effect of peace and harmony, transforming Bodh Gaya into a beacon of hope for all those in search of enlightenment and inner tranquility.
Furthermore, the Committee aims to uplift nearby villages, which boast great heritage sites like Sujatagarh, Dungeshwari, and Dharmaranya Temple. By developing proper roads connecting these villages to Bodh Gaya town, the Committee seeks to empower local communities, provide improved access to opportunities, and initiate a ripple effect of positive change. The BMC is fully devoted to sports and outdoor activities and is an initiative by the Borisu Sesang Foundation – an NGO with FCRA registration number 231661879, which has been running a free school in Sravasti (India) for eight years.
The Committee has also organized numerous relief, medical, and educational camps:
1. Conducted Relief camp at GORKHA (Nepal) during 2015 Nepal Earthquake.
2. Conducted Relief camp at NEW DELHI during Covid 19.
The Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee is committed to organizing an International standard MARATHON at Bodh Gaya, known as "the land of Buddha," for global peace and harmony each year. The primary aim is for participants and runners to attain Enlightenment by following the footsteps of Lord Buddha. The philosophy of "running for global peace" guides all participants and runners, making them all winners.
The Bodhgaya Marathon Committee is a certified member of AIMS (Association of International Marathon & Distance Races).
AIMS Certification - Bodh Gaya Marathon has been granted the prestigious AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) certification. This recognition marks a significant milestone for our marathon and showcases our commitment to organizing a world-class event adhering to international standards.
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is a Buddhist umbrella body with its base in New Delhi that serves as a common platform for Buddhists worldwide. Established under the patronage of the supreme Buddhist religious hierarchy, IBC currently has a membership comprising more than 320 organisations, both monastic and lay, in 39 countries. The IBC journey with its “Collective Wisdom United Voice” has brought thousands of hearts together. Despite several challenges, we have been sincerely trying to create a role for Buddhism on the global stage to help preserve our heritage, share our knowledge, and promote our values and to represent a united front for Buddhists to engage in meaningful participation in the global discourse.
Thrill Zone is a trailblazing organization dedicated to fostering a healthier lifestyle through fitness events. Established in 2014, Thrill Zone has orchestrated 100+ successful Fitness events nationwide, promoting health and wellness. By partnering with trusted brands, Thrill Zone emphasizes quality and strives to revitalize the significance of sports, especially running, in communities across India.
Bodh Gaya, known as Uruvela in ancient times, is the land of Meditation, where a young prince attained "Enlightenment" and became Lord Buddha after rigorous meditation and practice. This place emanates great positive vibes, as Lord Buddha spent six years during the course of his Enlightenment.
About 2500 years ago, a young prince embarked on an adventure, leaving his palace, in search of truth and solutions to universal realms encompassing death, pain, suffering, birth, and more. During his journey, he discovered that meditation held the key to these solutions. He engaged in various forms of meditation he had heard of or witnessed, abstaining from eating, yet despite his unwavering efforts, these practices seemed futile.
One day, while sitting beneath a beautiful tree with spreading branches, he observed a picturesque grove, a crystal-clear flowing river, and a village. Seated in meditation, he was approached by a young woman offering a bowl of milk rice and sweet honey, recognizing his emaciated form. With renewed strength, he continued meditating under the tree's branches. Gradually, he unveiled the truth, attaining inner peace as the shroud of ignorance dissipated. Thus, he achieved "Enlightenment" and became Lord Buddha.
The village where he meditated to attain nirvana is now known as Bodh Gaya. The marathon route will commence from the ancient Magadh University, pass by the Mahabodhi Temple, cross the Niranjana River and Sujata village, and encircle the foothills of the religious Dungeshwari Mountain.
In addition to promoting global peace, BMC has an extended objective of developing the villages and roads connected to our Marathon route, which are also significant locations visited and inhabited by Lord Buddha (such as Sujata Stupa, Dungeshwari, Dharmaranya Temple etc.). During this Marathon, participants and runners not only run but also follow the path that Lord Buddha took, all in pursuit of finding peace.
In chapter 16 of the Lotus Sutra, Buddha mentions that he achieved Buddhahood a very long time ago. He gestured toward the sky and the ground, as shown in our logo, and declared, "I am the most powerful one in all the heavens above and the earth below. This is my final birth." To put it simply, he was the only one who truly understood reality and could guide beings to break free from suffering—a task that even the gods in the heavens and the spirits and other beings on Earth couldn't accomplish.
For the past two decades, our travel partner, BUDDHA TOURS , has been a pioneering force in the realm of Buddhist pilgrimage experiences, offering its specialized services across India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. With an impressive legacy of 20 years, Buddha Tours has catered to over 200,000 tourists, creating a profound impact in the world of Buddhist travel. Notably, the company has orchestrated the annual Teaching Program of His Holiness the Dalai Lama for Korean Buddhist pilgrims, consistently for the past two decades. Additionally, Buddha Tours has organized significant Buddhist events, such as the monumental 1167 KM Walking Buddha Tour in 2023, which saw the participation of 108 distinguished Monks. Beyond pilgrimage, the company's commitment to humanity shines through its diverse initiatives, including medical, religious, yoga, and educational camps. Notably, Buddha Tours played a vital role in serving humanity during the aftermath of the 2015 Nepal Earthquake Relief camp at GORKHA, showcasing their dedication to making a positive difference in the world.
