On June 9th, a fellowship of 8 ragtag, underprepared Buddhists will embark on a dangerous - nay - deadly mission to circumnavigate Victoria Park 7 whole times as part of the official Victoria Park Half marathon; a journey of 21 kilometres... without even a single coffee or cake break. What, you ask, could be the reason for this perilous journey?

We are running to support women who are training for Buddhist ordination, and living a life dedicated to the ideals generosity, beauty, patience, compassion, meditation, and wisdom. Each pound donated will be match-funded by the London Buddhist Centre, and will go to building a centre for women to train in.

Ordination is the most important event in a Buddhist's life, signalling the end of a life self-centredness, hatred and craving, and the beginning of the beautiful quest for ultimate truth and ultimate love.

However, as more and more women wish to live this life, a problem has emerged. Tiratanaloka, the retreat centre where the women of Triratna train for ordination, is much too small. Many women with the energy and inspiration it takes to become ordained are forced to wait, sometimes for many years, before they are able to receive their ordination.

We believe it is worth sacrificing oneself, and at the very least one's time, energy, and money, to support to growth of all beings- especially when their hearts are committed to the highest ideals.

This is why we are running and literally putting our bodies on the (finish) line, to fundraise for a larger Tiratanaloka.

Every pound will directly contribute the growth of an individual, who will then, with no doubt in our minds, help others do the same.

The runners are: James Mayer, Bodhimati , Simon Williams, Talib Hoege, Maitrikumara, Theo Vadgama, Darragh, and Emily Wood.

Ben Cooke, Rowan Wheelwright, and Thomas Valderrama already paved the way in may with an epic half marathon run in May.