North Texas Runner Bal Joshi to Attempt Seven Marathons on Seven Continents in Seven Days
- camilarosiaz
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
North Texas ultramarathoner and philanthropist Bal Joshi, known as the “Running Monk,” is set to attempt the World Marathon Challenge beginning January 31, 2026. The challenge requires runners to complete seven full marathons in seven consecutive days across seven continents, a feat achieved by fewer than 300 people worldwide.
Joshi, 42, plans to run each marathon wearing traditional Nepalese attire as a tribute to his heritage. Raised in rural Nepal, he says the decision reflects the values that shaped him long before his running career began.
“Running in Nepali attire is a way to honor my roots and visibly represent where I come from,” Joshi said. “Nepal shaped my values of resilience, humility and service, and carrying that identity across all seven continents is intentional.”
The challenge also serves as a fundraising effort for the One Step Foundation, a registered nonprofit focused on addressing basic human needs. Through his work with the foundation over the past two years, Joshi has helped raise more than $200,000 to support initiatives related to healthcare, education, food security, refugees and disability services.
According to Joshi, the effort is as much about awareness as fundraising. He hopes the challenge encourages others to take action within their own communities.
Among the many marathons and ultramarathons he has completed over the past five years, Joshi considers the World Marathon Challenge his most demanding test. The race combines physical endurance with intense logistical demands, requiring competitors to fly by charter plane between continents while maintaining race readiness.
The event, officially known as 7 Marathons 7 Continents 7 Days, was founded in 2015. Participants begin with a marathon in Antarctica, followed by races in Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza and Miami. All seven 26.2-mile races must be completed within 168 hours.
Throughout his training and races, Joshi follows a personal philosophy he calls “my race, my pace,” focusing on consistency and purpose rather than competition.