Bagan Marathon

At the time of flag-off, the dawn in Bagan reveals a surreal, mist-shrouded plain dotted with the silhouettes of over 2,000 ancient temples, pagodas, and stupas with a few larger pagodas lit by golden spotlights. Bagan Marathon 2025 route that includes prominent temples, pagodas, statues, and places such as Ananda, Htilominlo, Ahlodawpyae, Dhammayangyi temples, Minnanthu village, and Tharabar Gate offers a stunning journey through history and culture. Runners traverse a relatively flat and dusty course, winding past ancient monuments, through quiet countryside, and alongside traditional village life. Ananda Pagoda, which is the starting point of the marathon was built in 1105 AD the Bagan Dynasty and is one of Bagan's best known and most beautiful temples due to its notable architecture, sculptures & paintings. Its striking whitewashed walls and brilliant golden sikhara (tower) stand out against the vast landscape of red and brown temples. The flag-off at dawn always is deliberately coincidental with the iconic sight of the silent and graceful ascent of dozens of multicolored hot air balloons floating peacefully above the temples. That offers a different and equally stunning perspective of the ancient city. As the route continues, the path leads to the majestic Htilominlo Temple, an imposing three-story, red-brick structure. Running near this temple, you can appreciate the intricate plaster carvings and glazed terracotta decorations that adorn its exterior. Following the sandy roads, the course moves toward the more secluded Ahlodawpyae Temple. This temple offers a glimpse into Bagan's earlier architectural styles. Dhammayangyi Temple is one of the most imposing sights and the largest of all the structures in Bagan. Its unique, red-brick, six-tiered pyramidal shape dominates the skyline and is a powerful visual marker along the race. Near the Dhammayangyi Temple the route passes the traditional Minnanthu Village. This section offers a cultural immersion, with views of traditional, simple village life and the chance to see locals going about their day displaying a unique contrast to the grand scale of the temples. Runners might pass monks, ox-laden carts, and local farmers, experiencing the daily rhythm of rural life. This journey also provides runners a passage through the ancient Tharabar Gate, the only surviving royal gate of the original 9th-century walled city of Old Bagan. Running through its brick archway, adorned with faded carvings, transports you to the heart of the Bagan Kingdom.