Civil servants across the country marked the Civil Service Wellness Day with a nationwide marathon today. Held simultaneously in all districts, the event brought officials together to promote fitness, teamwork and well-being. In Thimphu, more than 560 officials, including the Prime Minister, participated in the relay race, organised for the first time.
112 teams, each made up of five members with at least two women, competed in the relay race starting from Changlimithang Stadium. In a relay race, runners share the full 42.2-kilometre distance. Each person runs a part of the course to complete the marathon together.
Participants said the relay marathon encourages wider participation and teamwork, unlike the standard marathon.
The race was divided into segments. The first and third runners covered 10 kilometres each between Changlimithang and Jungshina.
The second and fourth runners completed 5-kilometre stretches between Changlimithang and Zilukha roundabout.
The final runner completed the longest stretch, covering 12.2-kilometre route through Lower Taba and Zhichenkhar before finishing at Changlimithang.
The Royal Civil Service Commission team won the race, completing the race in 3 hours, 53 minutes and 5 seconds.
30-year-old Pema Tshering Tamang from Dagana, a Human Resource Officer with the Commission, recorded the fastest time in the 12.2-kilometre category.
“I am really honoured to be part of this civil service wellness initiative. It is a wonderful effort that highlights the importance of physical and mental well-being, especially in the civil service. I am also proud of my team in the civil service relay marathon. This is not an individual achievement. It is the result of teamwork, coordination, and collective effort.”
The National Statistics Bureau team finished second, in 3 hours, 56 minutes and 10 seconds.
“His Majesty the King keeps on reiterating the importance of civil servants being the backbone of the country. To be a strong backbone, we need to be mentally and physically strong and fit. This programme, coordinated by the Royal Civil Service Commission, is a very good platform. It is also a good opportunity for civil servants to participate and become active,” said Karma Deki, Statistics Officer, NSB.
The Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital team came third, completing the race in 3 hours, 58 minutes and 19 seconds.
“This aerobic exercise requires both strength and flexibility. Running helps improve both physical and mental health. It also triggers the release of ‘happy hormones’ such as dopamine, which support a person’s mental well-being. So, when you run, it contributes to overall mental health improvement as well,” said Tshering Norbu, Chief Physiotherapist, JDWNRH.
Winners in the 12.2-kilometre, 10-kilometre and 5-kilometre individual categories also received medals and certificates. All participants who completed the race also received certificates.
The event also included activities such as lucky draws, Sorig Zhiney sessions, Zumba, and musical performances, adding to the overall engagement and celebration.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sonam Pem
