From Bhutan’s rugged Himalayan trails to the French Alps, Jigme Tenzin, popularly known as the “Mountain Man”, is preparing to take on one of the world’s most prestigious ultra-trail races. He will be running 101 kilometres at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, or UTMB World Series Finals, tomorrow for the second time.
For Jigme Tenzin, running in the mountains began with curiosity. Fourteen years later, that curiosity has taken him to one of the biggest stages in trail running.
A flight dispatcher with Drukair, Jigme grew up playing football and says he has been running all his life. But it was his growing love for Bhutan’s mountains and trails that eventually turned running into a passion.
His mountain-running experience includes the Snowman Trek, which he completed in five days.
Last year, Jigme and fellow Bhutanese runner Rigzin Chodra made history as the first Bhutanese to compete at the UTMB World Series Finals.
Later that year, he returned to the UTMB World Series in Thailand, where he took on a 100-kilometre race and finished in less than13 hours, securing his qualification for this year’s finals.
Now, he is back in France, facing a longer and more demanding challenge.
This race will take him across three countries, starting in Italy, passing through Switzerland and finishing in France.
For Jigme, it is more than just running.
For Jigme Tenzin, running in the mountains began with curiosity. Fourteen years later, that curiosity has taken him to one of the biggest stages in trail running.
A flight dispatcher with Drukair, Jigme grew up playing football and says he has been running all his life. But it was his growing love for Bhutan’s mountains and trails that eventually turned running into a passion.
His mountain-running experience includes the Snowman Trek, which he completed in five days.
Last year, Jigme and fellow Bhutanese runner Rigzin Chodra made history as the first Bhutanese to compete at the UTMB World Series Finals.
Later that year, he returned to the UTMB World Series in Thailand, where he took on a 100-kilometre race and finished in less than13 hours, securing his qualification for this year’s finals.
Now, he is back in France, facing a longer and more demanding challenge.
This race will take him across three countries, starting in Italy, passing through Switzerland and finishing in France.
For Jigme, it is more than just running.
“I hope my participation in this race will encourage more young Bhutanese to take up trail running and to believe that they can compete on the international stage. I genuinely feel that one sport in which Bhutan can excel is trail running.”
With some of the highest mountains in the world, Bhutan has what Jigme believes is a natural advantage when it comes to training for endurance and mountain races.
He says the country’s high-altitude terrain, steep climbs and technical trails can prepare Bhutanese runners for some of the toughest competitions in the world.
“Who knows, one day we could see Bhutanese runners taking the podium in races like this and opening up opportunities and even getting contracts from renowned brands like The North Face, Salomon and others. That would not only open opportunities for our young athletes but also put Bhutan on the map in the world of trail running.”
For Jigme, however, this race carries a deeper personal meaning.
“This run is my humble tribute to His Majesty and, in particular, to His Majesty’s noble vision of constructing 108 Jangchub Chortens in one day. His Majesty’s vision, dedication, and service to the nation are a profound source of inspiration and strength for me. I will carry this inspiration throughout my run and give my best.”
He hopes his journey will inspire a new generation of Bhutanese to lace up, take to the trails and dream beyond the mountains.
Namgay Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
