Marathon Monk Ultra 2026 — Hillsborough, NC

Join us for a rare and intimate Ultramarathon gathering at Sky Maple Farm featuring Marathon Monk Mitsunaga Endo Tai-Ajari of Japan. Ajari is the 50th monk in modern history to complete the legendary Kaihogyo, the thousand-day walking meditation practiced by Tendai Buddhist monks on Mt. Hiei in Japan. This profound discipline requires monks to walk tens of thousands of miles over seven years in continuous prayer and meditation, a path so demanding that only a small number of practitioners have completed it in over a millennium. At the heart of the experience is a one-mile forest loop where participants can run or walk alongside the Marathon Monk. Moving at their own rhythm and free from clocks or competition, participants are encouraged to explore the loop as a form of moving meditation. A Mala bead will be given for every lap completed, allowing participants to track their distance without clocks or cell phones. When participants step off the path there will be a series of contemplative practices offered across the farm. Floating sound baths, sunset yoga, and binaural meditations will be coupled with equine-assisted meditation. As the sun sets, the gathering concludes with a vegetarian farm-to-table dinner. The night will include teachings, meditation, and an open dialogue with the Ajari-sama.