Event Information
Runners packages include the following:
- International flights to Bagan from Auckland and domestic flights within Bagan
- Transfers on all group flights
- Five or seven nights’ accommodation (dependent on chosen itinerary)
- Guaranteed Bagan Temple Marathon entry
- Fully escorted by one of our experienced Marathon Tours Tour Leaders (subject to minimum numbers)
- Meals as stated in the itinerary
- Official Bagan Temple Marathon 2021 t-shirt
- Celebration evening including a festive dinner and awards ceremony
- Amazing sightseeing and excursions as stated in the itinerary
The Bagan Temple Marathon starts and finishes at Htilominlo Temple, built in 1211 and known for its fine plaster carvings.
The first part of the route is the same for all three distances, and the route converges again at approximately 13km for half-marathoners and 35km for the marathon runners.
The beginning
The first 8km are shared by all distances. The first 5km are run on dirt roads through the plains of Bagan towards Old Bagan. Runners will be treated to magnificent views of thousand-year-old temples and pagodas. After a short 1km stretch on asphalt through Old Bagan, runners are back on dirt roads for a while.
10K runners continue through Old Bagan until the 8km mark, at which point they turn back to Htilominlo Temple and the finish line.
As marathon and half-marathon runners reach the 11km mark and its water station, they’ll pass the Dhammayazika Pagoda. At this point, the full- and half-marathon runners separate: marathon runners will turn right whereas half-marathon participants go left.
Half-Marathon runners
Half-marathon runners continue 1km on an asphalt road until they take another left onto dirt tracks which lead into the small village of West Pwazaw. After passing the village, roughly 2km later, the route converges again with the full marathon course.
Marathon runners
The full marathoners turn right after the Dhammayakiza Pagoda at the 11km mark. They carry on towards New Bagan, but instead of entering New Bagan, runners continue onto a sandy path and enter what feels like a different realm. See ox carts laden with grain plodding on the sandy track, wave to farmers tending their rice and peanut fields, and be prepared to high-five gaggles of children decked out in their festive clothing waiting to say hello. It feels like time has been standing still in this remote corner of the world.
At 22km, runners enter the beautiful Nyaungdo village. The surface is now back to being a dirt road and the course continues onto a dam with a view to the right of a stunning mountain-top pagoda, Tuyin Taung Pagoda. Palm-fringed fields lie below to the left and the spires of Bagan’s temples shimmer in the distance.
From 26-30km, runners continue on an asphalt road which is not closed off to traffic, so remember to keep to the left.
The route then continues onto a dirt road and through the fields until another village is reached. The course takes you through East Pwazaw village where the residents are likely to be outside their homes cheering you on! This small village, with its palm-leaf roofs and warm residents, will undoubtedly give you a boost of energy to carry on.
The marathon and half-marathon routes meet
A dirt trail connects the marathon route to West Pwazaw village, where the marathon course meets the half-marathon course. After West Pwazaw village, the course continues through the plains of Bagan and runners are again rewarded with views of the historic temples.
At this point, the surface becomes asphalt for about 1km before reverting back to dirt tracks again. The final stretch is a mix of dirt and asphalt surfaces before the long-awaited finish line is in sight back at Htilominlo Temple.
What do I need to travel to Myanmar? (Burma)
You will need a current New Zealand Passport to travel overseas, with a validity of six months or more after the date upon which you are scheduled to arrive back into New Zealand. You will also require a visa to enter Myanmar which our team can assist you with.
Do I need travel insurance?
It is compulsory that each person has travel insurance before travelling for the Bagan Temple Marathon. Although it isn’t compulsory that it’s purchased via Allianz Global Assistance (our preferred provider), we do highly recommend it, as unlike other companies, they provide cover for the actual marathon event. We recommend you take out insurance as soon as you book, as it will ensure you are covered in case you injure yourself prior to the event and can no longer travel.
What currency is accepted?
The local currency is Burmese Kyat, however this can only be purchased while in the country. US dollars is also widely accepted and recommended.
Will I need to tip while in Myanmar?
Tipping is common for guides, drivers, waiters and hotel porters. As a guide it is recommended to tip a driver US $2-5 per day and guides US $5-10 per day.
How do I book?
Simply click on the yellow registration link displayed at the top of the page or phone the team on 0800 RUNNING. Should the upcoming event already be sold out talk to us about joining our contact list for the following year.
