Bodh Gaya 2024 Marathon: Run for peace and enlightenment

New Delhi: In a significant announcement, Secretary General of the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Venerable Jangchup Choeden revealed the much-anticipated ‘Bodh Gaya Marathon 2024’ on Friday. Scheduled for 14 January, in the sacred city of Bodh Gaya, this historic marathon, jointly organized by the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee and the IBC, carries a unique theme — promoting global peace and the teachings of Buddha.

Enthusiastically anticipating participants from across the globe, the event will feature four categories: the challenging 42.195 kilometers race, the half-marathon of 21.097 kilometers, a timed 10-kilometre run, and a 5-kilometre Dhamma run. Endorsed by the Athletic Federation of India and the Bihar Athletic Association, the Bodh Gaya Marathon has received certification from the Association of International Marathons (AIMS) and Distance Races.

The stakes are high for the winners of the 42.195-kilometer marathon, with both male and female champions earning a fully paid round trip to compete in the prestigious Gijang BADA Marathon Competition in Korea. In addition to the international exposure, winners will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh each. The other three categories will see the first three male and female winners collectively awarded a prize of Rs 3 lakh, culminating in a total cash prize of 6 lakhs.

The Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee (BMC), an NGO founded by Abhay Sinha and P.C. Kushwaha,  is committed to transforming Bodh Gaya into a symbol of hope, simultaneously extending its impact to neighboring villages like Sujatagarh, Dungeshwari, and Dharmaranya Temple by constructing connecting roads. This initiative aims to empower local communities, providing them access to opportunities and fostering meaningful changes.

Headquartered in New Delhi, the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) stands as a global platform for Buddhists worldwide. With over 320 member organisations, including monastic and lay entities, world bodies, national and regional federations, monasteries, international organisations, and institutions, the IBC is dedicated to the dissemination of Buddha’s teachings.