Five male and three female runners have been selected to represent Bhutan in the upcoming Snowman Race 2021. The race, which is considered to be the world’s toughest and most challenging snowman run is expected to be held in October, this year.
28 runners including 21 male and seven female took part in the selection run which flagged off from Sangaygang in Thimphu yesterday. The runners stayed a night at the aid station based in Bjemelangtsho. Of the 28 runners, two of them had withdrawn after getting altitude sickness.
Concluding the selection run at the Paro Ta Dzong today, 26-year-old Sangay from the Royal Bhutan Army came first in the men’s category. He completed the 41-km trek in a record time of 5 hours, 29 minutes and 15 seconds.
“Running in snow is a challenge. It is slippery and we are confronted with breathing problems. We had been practising in the lowlands and when we run on highlands it is challenging. It would be better for us to train in the highland areas. I am optimistic that I will do my best in the actual race and bring fame to our country,” said Sangay.
And in the women’s category, 34-year-old Tashi Chozom, who is a guide won the competition.
Startled with the achievement, Tashi said, “I had never expected that I could do complete the race in less than 10 hours. I really felt great. Because of the pandemic, I am jobless right now, so I have lots of time to practice. I also do a lot of hiking and trekking. I will have enough time to practice for the main race.”
She completed the race in 9 hours, 42 minutes and 50 seconds. Only seven female runners came forward to take part in the competition. The top three runners will represent Bhutan in the upcoming race.
The snowman race was scheduled to be held last year but got postponed due to the pandemic situation around the globe. However, the Snowman Race 2021 is expected to feature 22 international runners and eight Bhutanese runners.
Starting from Gasa, the runners will cover 300 kilometres in less than five days and end the marathon in Bumthang. The run is expected to help raise awareness of the impacts of climate change.
“They will not just run, they will be running for the climate action and for the conservation and protection of the environment and social welfare. Climate change is real and it is happening all over the world. It has adverse effects on the highland communities. So, we want to bring attention towards the highland communities, which are affected by climate change,” said Sonam Eude, from the Snowman Race Secretariat.
In preparation for the main race, the eight selected runners will now undergo various training sessions with the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation under the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
