Bodh Gaya Marathon 2027 - Run for Global Peace

The Bodh Gaya Marathon 2027 is the fourth edition of the Run for Global Peace event in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The race is organised by the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee and is listed by AIMS as an associate member race. The organiser also states recognition by the Athletics Federation of India. The event uses one of India's most distinctive destination-running settings, linking road racing with the Buddhist heritage landscape around Bodh Gaya.

The programme includes a full marathon, half marathon, 10K timed run, 5K Sujata Run, and two 3K community events, the Saree Run and Niranjana Run. The full marathon route is promoted around landmarks including the Mahabodhi Temple area, Sujata Garh, Dharmaranya Temple, the Niranjana River corridor and the Dungeshwari area. Current 2027 route artwork shows the races starting and finishing at Kalachakra Ground, with shorter courses using turn points and the marathon using an extended section before returning to the venue.

Runner support is unusually well documented for the current edition. The organiser publishes water and feeding points at regular intervals, with water, energy drink and fruit, plus separate sponging points. Medical support includes ambulances, doctors and first-aid locations, while toilets are provided at the venue and at several points on course. Timed runners must use the supplied bib chip and cross the designated timing mats to receive an official placing.

The full and half marathons are open to adults aged 18 and over; the organiser publishes lower minimum ages for the shorter races. A medical fitness certificate is required for full-marathon runners before bib issue. The organiser's FAQ currently gives a tentative 05:00 marathon flag-off, but also states that the detailed 2027 start schedule will be confirmed only shortly before race day, so runners should recheck final race timings before travel.

The event's wider purpose is explicitly charitable and cultural. Its organisers link the race to peace, inter-cultural exchange and community development around heritage villages connected with the course. Co-organising and partner bodies include the International Buddhist Confederation and other Buddhist cultural organisations.

2027 bib-collection date needs confirmation

The organiser's current FAQ says race bibs are collected at an expo one day before the event, which would imply Saturday 13 February 2027. However, that same FAQ separately names 31 January, which conflicts with the confirmed 14 February 2027 race date and appears to be outdated text. Do not travel to an expo on 31 January or assume the expo will definitely operate on 13 February without a fresh organiser announcement. Confirm the final bib-collection date, hours and venue directly with the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee. The published 05:00 marathon start is also described as tentative, not a confirmed gun time.