Lumbini Peace Marathon to be Held on 16th March
Lumbini Development Trust has planned to organize Lumbini Peace Marathon in Lumbini for the first time in Nepal, on 16th March, 2014. As a preparedness and publicity of the peace marathon, a walkathon was organized on Wednesday, where former Miss Nepal Sadichha Shrestha, celebrated athlete Baikuntha Manandhar, residential monks of Lumbini, entrepreneurs, various organizations, sportspersons and local people participated in the program. The walkathon started from Shatidweep and ended at the same after circumambulating around Mayadevi Temple.
Goodwill Ambassador of Lumbini, Bikram Pandey, said that the peace marathon, with the slogan ‘Following Lord Buddha’s Footsteps’, is being organized to establish global status of Lord Buddha’s birthplace, Lumbini. He also said that the peace marathon will be incessantly organized every year from now on. Advisor of Lumbini Development Trust, monk Maitreya, said that the marathon will help to flourish the prominence of Lumbini with a sermon of world peace. Former Miss Nepal, Shrestha also called everyone to be a part of the glorious marathon.
The 42.195 Km peace marathon will start from ancient domicile of Tilaurakot and after following a holy path through Gotihawa, Kudan, Dohani, Barahiya, Pakadi and Labani, end at the great Mayadevi Temple. The marathon will be separately conducted for men and women. Also, for open and students’ category, a 5 Km and 10 Km group relay will be organized. It is expected that more than 200 national and international athletes will be participating in the marathon. Earlier in Visit Lumbini Year 2012, as a part of closing ceremony, a mini marathon was organized on January.