Bagan Temple Marathon

Race Information

A relatively flat course, the route takes runners through a temple wonderland and small villages where it feels like time has stood still.

Although there are no mountains to conquer, the hot and dusty course proves to be a challenge for most runners participating in the Bagan Temple Marathon. However, the beautiful temples, the friendly villagers, and the otherworldly atmosphere make this marathon one of a kind.

Here you will find all the important practical information about the race, such as rules and regulations, training, timing, race day support, clothing, weather and more. If you don’t find the answer you’re seeking, feel free to contact us with your question.

Topics are arranged in alphabetical order.

Clothing & Weather

The weather in November is hot and humid with temperatures reaching highs of around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).

Light-coloured, technical shirts are a good choice as sweat is not absorbed (unlike cotton). Although clothing in Myanmar should generally be conservative, there are no restrictions on what to wear on race day. Due to the frequency of tourists and the number of years that this race has been run, villagers and locals are accustomed to seeing shorts and tank tops, and it is widely accepted. 

Sun block is an absolute necessity (use SPF30 or above), and a running hat with visor is also advisable as it can help keep the sun out of your eyes.

In the morning prior to the race start, you may wish to have a light jacket or windbreaker to help you stay comfortable during your ride to the race. Consider packing a change of clothes for after the race.

Cut-off Times

The time limit is seven hours from the start for all distances. Full marathon runners have an additional five hour cut-off at kilometer 27 near Water Station 7. Any runners that don’t make the cut-off time or the time limit will be picked up and driven to the finish line.

Distances

The Bagan Temple Marathon features three distances:

Full marathon - 42.195km/26.2mi

Half marathon - 21.1km/13.1mi

10k / 6.2mi 

Distance Change

It is possible to change the distance you want to run up to 10 days before the race starts. All you need to do is contact us with your request.

If you want to change your distance while on tour, contact a race official before or after the race briefing. You must bring your original race number!

Change of distance is NOT PERMITTED on Race Day.

Eligibility

Full marathon runners must be at least 18 years old on race day.

Half marathon runners must be at least 16 years old.

10K runners must be at least 12 years old. 10K participants under the age of 12 are also welcome if accompanied by a runner aged 16 or above.

Future Race Dates

In 2021, Bagan Temple Marathon takes place on 27 November. 

In 2022, it will take place on 26 November. 

Goodie Bag

International runners will receive their goodie bags upon arrival in Bagan. The goodie bag will contain your start/bib number and official race T-shirt. 

Local runners will be informed by our local agent on where to pick up their race packet. 

Medical Team

On race day, a team of English-speaking Danish doctors, assisted by a local medical team, will provide medical assistance to runners in need. If the medical team finds it necessary they can stop a runner and take him/her out of the race. Decisions on taking runners out of the race will only be done if the medical team believes there is a serious health risk in continuing. 

All decisions made by the medical team are final and not up for discussion.

Runners who wish to drop out of the marathon should go to the nearest drink station. Transport to the finish area will be arranged for all runners who leave the race, but please be aware there will be a waiting time. 

Doctors and race officials will be positioned along, and move in and out of, the route, but will not be able to monitor all parts at all times. We kindly ask all runners to look out for each other and report to race officials, water stations or doctors if you see a fellow runner in need of help.

If you take daily medicine prescribed by your physician or need any other medication, please inform the race doctors in advance by writing to marathon@albatros-adventure.com

Merchandise

During the race briefing and on race day, a variety of exclusive Bagan Temple Marathon merchandise can be purchased. 

Personal Belongings

Personal supplies can be deposited at certain water stations. Please look at the course map for more information about where the stations are located.

It is possible to deposit bags with personal items in the start/finish area. Although the finish area is manned, depositing personal belongings in the area is entirely each runner’s responsibility and the marathon organisers are not responsible for loss or damage of personal belongings.

Photos & Certificate

Marathon Photos will take personal photos of all runners. The photos can be purchased after the race from www.marathon-photos.com 

Your Finisher's Certificate will be available for free download.

Prizes and Awards

All finishers receive a medal. A small, symbolic prize is given to the winners of both distances for men and women. Please note that there is no prize money.

Race Briefing

Race officials will provide all participants with a race briefing the evening before the race, which will cover everything from a preliminary weather forecast to a brief presentation of the important route notes.

Race officials and medical staff will be present to answer any questions you may have. Official Bagan Temple Marathon merchandise will also be available for purchase.

Race Officials Disclaimer

English-speaking race officials from Albatros Adventure Marathons™ are in charge of the event. The race officials reserve the right to change the course and other aspects of the race without advance notice.

Please note that all decisions made by the race officials and/or medical team are final.

By signing up for this event you agree to the Terms & Conditions of Albatros Adventure Marathons™.

 

Registration

In order to register for the race, you MUST enter with one of the following options: 

 

International Participants

For international participants, race entry is only possible in conjunction with a multi-day tour package. The packages include all the ingredients for a fantastic getaway: accommodation, social events, sightseeing, and select meals and transportation per the itinerary. Packages also generally include ample amounts of free time, during which you can choose to join organized excursions or explore the region at your own pace. 

Join a truly enlightening experience in Myanmar, where golden temples and sacred pagodas await. Watch hot air balloons rise over Bagan as you partake in a run past countless monuments and friendly villagers. Embark on a journey of discovery and take on the Bagan Temple Marathon! 

Register here.

 

Residents of the Surrounding Region

Participants who reside in one of the following countries, and thus meet the necessary residency requirements, are eligible for a special entry package.

For Bagan Temple Marathon, qualifying countries include: 

•    Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, North Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam.

Please note: Even if you meet the residency requirements for the surrounding regions, if you are looking to enjoy an extended holiday in Myanmar, it is certainly possible to join one of the standard international 6- or 8-day packages. 

As proof of eligbility, residents and citizens of the above-mentioned countries must present a current, valid residency permit or passport. Upon receiving your entry, we will contact you to request copies of your official, government-issued documentation.

Please contact us for details.

 

Residents of Myanmar

Participants who meet the necessary residency requirements are eligible for local entry, which includes only the race. You must live in Myanmar to qualify. 

Please note: If you are looking to enjoy an extended holiday in Bagan and reside elsewhere in Myanmar, it is certainly possible to join one of the standard international packages or the regional residents package. 

As proof of eligbility, residents and citizens of Myanmar must present a current, valid residency permit or passport. Upon receiving your entry, we will contact you to request copies of your official, government-issued documentation.

Please contact us for details.

 

Registration Deadlines

Registration closes on 1 October 2021 for the 2021 Bagan Temple Marathon. After this date, please contact us to see if we can accommodate you.

Route Map & Elevation Profile

For information on the marathon, half-marathon, and 10K routes, start and finish line, drink stations and other course-related information, see Route & Elevation.

Rules & Regulations

Change of Distance: If you decide to change distance during the race, the race result will read FNT (finished no time). All runners who change distances before race day will be registered accordingly and receive an official time.

Top Finishers: The top three male and female finishers of all distances are the first three to physically cross the finish line regardless of their net time.

Gear: Nordic walking and trekking poles are not allowed.

Start / Bib Numbers

You will receive your start/bib number in the race goodie bag.

All runners will receive one bib number that must be worn during the race. It must be attached to the front of your body and readable - both for safety and for photography purposes! The bib numbers are color-coded according to the distance you are running: 

- Full marathon bibs - black
- Half-marathon bibs - red
- 10K bibs - green

Please do not bend or fold the bibs as the timing chip inside may break.

Time Taking & Results

The Bagan Temple Marathon is timed with a bib chip timing system. Please do not bend or fold the bibs as the timing chip inside may break. The final results will be published on the website as soon as possible after the race.

Wristbands

Please note that both half and full marathon runners will receive a wristband to prove that they have completed the entire route. The wristband must be worn for the remainder of the race to the finishline. No wristband = disqualification.