A total of 78 runners took part in the 21-kilometre Druk Wangyel Run in Thimphu today. One of Bhutan’s leading half marathons, the race challenges participants with steep climbs and high-altitude conditions, testing both physical endurance and mental strength. The event was organised to honour the visionary leadership of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo and mark His Majesty’s 70th birthday.
Organised by the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation, the race began at seven this morning from the Lungtenzampa School parking area and concluded at Dochula Pass, with the Druk Wangyel Chorten marking the finish line.
Among the participants was 48-year-old Mike Randall from Australia, the only international runner in this year’s race.
“I love Thimphu, and I love running in Bhutan. This is my sixth race here. I have participated in the Laya Run twice, the Druk Wangyel Run twice, and also the Punakha and Thimphu Half Marathons. Running here is wonderful, the mountains are beautiful, and the people are amazing.”
In the General Public and Youth Men’s category, national athlete Thinley Lhendup from Samdrup Jongkhar claimed first place, completing the race in one hour, 28 minutes and 16 seconds.
Thinley is the defending champion of the Druk Wangyel Run and has also secured second position in the Coronation Marathon and the Bhutan International Marathon.
“I am currently serving as a national athlete under the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation. Winning today makes me proud, even though I could not beat my previous timing. All the sacrifices and hard work have paid off, and I am satisfied with my performance.”
Kinley Lhendup finished second, while Buddha Puma Rai came in third. The top three winners received cash prizes of Nu 20,000, 15,000 and 10,000, respectively. Out of the 53 runners, seven of them could not complete the race.
In the women’s open category, national athlete Samten Dema from Trashigang emerged victorious, completing the race in one hour, 48 minutes and 36 seconds.
“On the 70th birthday of our great Fourth Druk Gyalpo, I am very happy to win this year’s Druk Wangyel Run. I am currently training with the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation, and I will continue to work hard to achieve more victories in the future.”
Tshering Lhamo finished second, followed by Lhamo in third place. A total of 12 athletes competed in the women’s category, with cash prizes awarded to the top five finishers, ranging from Nu 3,000 to 20,000.
In the armed forces men’s category, Gawa Zangpo from Monggar secured first place, completing the race in one hour, 24 minutes and 46 seconds.
“This is my second time participating in the Druk Wangyel Run. In the first edition, I finished fifth, and today I am very happy to secure first place. The run is organised to honour the 70th birthday of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and I feel honoured to be part of this event.”
Gawa was followed by Sangay in second place and Tashi Phuntsho in third. Thirteen athletes competed in this category, with the top three receiving cash prizes of Nu 20,000, Nu 15,000 and Nu 10,000, respectively.
Altogether, 56 men and 12 women participated in this year’s Druk Wangyel Run. The participants received medals and certificates.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
