The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) in collaboration with the Bodhgaya Marathon Committee (BMC), Mahabodhi Society of India and International Centre for Cultural Studies (ICCS) and with support from Government of Bihar and Athletics Federation of India (AFI) organised its Second Edition of Bodhgaya Marathon (Run for Global Peace) on Sunday, 16 February 2025 in Bodhgaya, Bihar. The endeavour aimed to induce compassion among people, its society thereby reinforcing the need for unity and peaceful co-existence amidst all kinds of natural and man-made complexities that the world is facing today.

There was significant representation from the Buddhist community across the world with participation from international runners, as also the Armed Forces of India. Around 3000 registrations, including more than 300 foreigners, took place from 19 countries across the globe.

His Eminence the 13th Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche flagged off the marathon as the Chief Guest. This year, there were 300 cadets and officers from Officers Training Academy (OTA), Gaya taking part with their commandant Lt. Gen. Sukriti Singh Dahiya, SM VSM in the lead as the Guest of Honour. In addition to this, the Mongolian Ambassador to India, Mr. Ganbold Dambajav participated as a Special Guest runner to commemorate 70 years of diplomatic ties between India and Mongolia.

On the eve of the marathon, Rinpoche and the Ambassador visited the Kalachakra ground along with Abhijit Halder, Director General of IBC, while the marathon bib exposition was going on, to inaugurate an exhibition curated by IBC on “Buddha Dhamma on Body and Mind”. The exhibition delved into – 1) “What are we made of?” explaining the composition of the sentient beings; 2) the connection between the mind and body which is the “interconnected self”; 3) the meditational effects that explains the “transformation of mind and body”; 4) The practical applications of mindfulness, which is “living mindfully”; and 5) the scientific aspects of mind and body which will elaborate on “science meeting Dhamma”. In addition to this the Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar organised 20 stalls to engage marathon participants, particularly the foreigners showcasing culture, textile, handicraft and food of the state from the 15 to 19 February 2025.

DG, IBC explaining Exhibition (“Buddha Dhamma on Body and Mind”) to His Eminence.

DG, IBC explaining Exhibition (Exposition of Holy Relics) to His Eminence.

Following the inauguration of the exhibition, all the dignitaries proceeded to the Mahabodhi Temple to pray for the success of the event and for global peace. This coordination was done with full support from the Bodhgaya Temple Management Committee (BTMC). A welcome dinner was subsequently organised by IBC at the Hyatt Hotel for the leadership of all the organisers and local administration in honour of the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.

During the wee hours of 16 February 2025, Kalachakra ground was lively with marathon runners warming up and preparing for the race. Marathon Brand Ambassador Dr. Sunita Godhara, Olympian and Asian gold medallist for India in 1992 took lead in pumping up the runners, followed by special chanting and blessings by His Eminence the 13th Kundeling Tatsak Rinpoche. The flag off for all the four categories – 42 kms, 21 kms, 10 kms and 5 kms was done between the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour, Special Guest, Brand Ambassador and Director General, IBC.

The marathon was successfully organised with enthusiastic participation. The winners of each category, declared after professional time keeping methods of international standards, are mentioned below.