The 7th Bhutan International Marathon in Punakha saw less number of participants compared to the previous years due to the first confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) case in the country. According to an official, about 170 registered people withdrew their participation.
However, participants say there is nothing to be worried about the COVID-19 if the self-preventive measures are taken seriously.
“Everybody is talking about the coronavirus in Punakha. But I feel it is important to maintain safety by ourselves, as it is a contiguous disease and would get it wherever we stay. Initially, I got scared to participate in the event but felt like it won’t spread if we maintain safety. Even I was restricted by my parents to participate in this event, but came forcefully by myself here,” said Tshering Dema, a Participant.
352 participants including 68 international participants turned up for the International Marathon in Punakha today.
Amidst the COVID-19 scare, the event was successful. Participants say the coronavirus is preventable and if preventive measures are taken seriously, there is nothing to be worried about such participation.
“It was an amazing race and obviously I didn’t finish in the top ten, but it was beautiful. Punakha is gorgeous. I work here for a month and it has been a fantastic journey, this marathon is absolutely stunning. I am not worried about the disease. I think media is exaggerating about this and I think more people die from the regular flu, in this corona I don’t think we should panic,” said Alon Fine, a Participant.
“In Bhutan everything is alright and it was wonderfully arranged marathon. Beautiful route, of course with barefoot running, but it was wonderful scenically and thanks to Bhutan I completed my first international marathon. Particularly, Indians and Bhutanese, we have such a strong immune system; I don’t think at all that there is anything risky for us. We eat cooked food and it’s perfectly fine. Weather out here is a whole lot of oxygen. So, I think there is no need to be worried about the disease,” added Ameya, also a Participant.
“When I reached here yesterday, I heard all people were talking about the coronavirus disease. However, I felt happy by participating in this marathon since we have to do lots of physical practices before the main event and when we have our strong body, I feel like no disease can harm us,” shared Phuntsho Dorji, also a Participant.
According to the official, the event had to go on despite the worrying situation in the location due to some unavoidable conditions.
“Among 352 participants, most of them are international people. We had to push and carry out the event without stopping since these people came all the way from their countries to participate in the marathon. So, we had to conduct the event besides emerging the coronavirus case,” said Sonam Tshewang, from the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
The Bhutan Olympic Committee is conducting this event annually to promote the running culture in the country and to encourage the participation of international people to enhance and promote the relationship among the countries. According to the official, the profits through this event will support Bhutan’s Youth and Olympic Sports Programme.
Changa Dorji
