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Kakao talk 
3rd Edition - 1st February 2026
Welcome to a marathon like no other — where every step is not just a race against time, but a journey towards inner peace and global harmony.
The Bodhgaya Marathon Route is more than a course; it’s a sacred pilgrimage through spiritual and historical sites that embody the essence of enlightenment. Lace up your shoes, open your heart, and join this transformative experience in the Land of Buddha.
“The one who has conquered himself is greater than he who has defeated a thousand men.”
Gautam Buddha
Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Garh, Dhramaranya Temple & Dungeswari
Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Garh & Dhramaranya Temple.
Mahabodhi Temple, Sujata Garh & Dhramaranya Temple.
The Bodhgaya Marathon Committee (BMC), an initiative of the Borisu Sesang Foundation, brings together runners and peace seekers from across the world under the banner of Run for Global Peace.
We believe that running can unite humanity — beyond borders, faiths, and nationalities — in the shared pursuit of compassion and enlightenment.
Through this event, the Committee aims to make Bodh Gaya a global symbol of peace, while also empowering local communities through development initiatives in nearby heritage villages like Sujatagarh, Dungeshwari, and Dharmaranya.
The Borisu Sesang Foundation (FCRA Reg. No. 231661879) has been serving humanity for years through initiatives such as:
The Bodhgaya Marathon is a proud member of AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and the Athletics Federation of India (AFI).
Our certification ensures adherence to international race standards, attracting runners from nations and beyond, including participants from Korea, Japan, USA, Bhutan, and across India.
The 3rd Edition of the Bodhgaya International Marathon will be held on 1st February 2026, under the theme “Run for Global Peace”, celebrating friendship and cooperation among global participants.
Join us to experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey — where running becomes meditation, and every finisher becomes a messenger of peace
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.
The International Center for Cultural Studies (ICCS), established in Nagpur, India, in 1997 by a dedicated group of academics and volunteers, aims to explore and celebrate cultural similarities worldwide. Guided by the vision of 'Universal Well-being,' rooted in ancient Indian wisdom.ICCS has been instrumental in fostering strong relationships between India and other countries, particularly within Buddhist communities. Over the past two decades, ICCS has worked to create a global network of leaders who share its vision of universal well-being, promoting collaboration and cultural preservation. The organization has cultivated meaningful bonds with native and local communities in Africa, Australasia, Europe, North America, South America, and Asia.
Through its initiatives, ICCS has hosted over 30 conferences worldwide, facilitated community empowerment projects, and organized gatherings aimed at preserving cultural traditions. Specific efforts include collaborations in Arunachal Pradesh (RIWATCH), Iraq (with the Yezidi community) South America and Buddhist communities in Asia. Additionally, ICCS has contributed to cultural preservation and knowledge sharing through the publication of journals and books, ensuring ancient wisdom is passed down to future generations while inspiring the creation of new knowledge.
It is the premier international Buddhist organization founded by Bodhisattva Anagarika Dharmapala on 31st May 1891 at Colombo, Sri Lanka. At the onset, their main objective was to use it as a frontline vehicle for the worldwide followers of The Buddha, to have the right to worship the most holy Bodhgaya Temple, in Gaya district of the Bihar state, India. In addition, their objective was also to restore all places related to the life of The Buddha – The Most Compassionate One, to enable spread His unbounded Compassion upon sentient beings all over the World. In 1916, the Government of India agreed to offer the Maha Bodhi Society a sacred Holy Relic of the Buddha which had been discovered during the excavations of Bhattiprolu stupa in Madras Presidency provided the Society erected a suitable Vihara in Calcutta.
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.
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