More than 900 athletes from Bumthang, Wangdue Phodrang, Trongsa and Thimphu took part in the sixth annual coronation marathon was held in Bumthang, yesterday.
The 42 kilometre marathon for men began at 7 in the morning and the 21-kilometer run for women started five minutes after.
The women’s 21 km route was through Chamkhar town- Kurjey Lhakhang-Chamkhar town- Kurkubeythang, ending in Chamkhar town.
The men had to run the same route twice to complete their 42 kilometer marathon.
The winner of the women’s marathon, Rigsum Choezom, completed 21 kilometers in two hours eight minutes and 41 seconds. Phub Dem, 19, placed second and Karma, 22, third.
In the men’s category, the former marathon champion, Sangay Wangchuk, completed the 42 kilometers in two hours 54 minutes and 41 seconds, emerging the winner once again.
Kinley Wangchuk, 28, stood second, and Nima Dorji, 27, third. All three are from the Royal Bhutan army.
Both the winners were awarded gold medals. Sangay Wangchuk won Nu.40, 000 while Rigsum Choesum took home Nu.20, 000. Prizes were also given to the top ten male and female runners.
The annual coronation marathon is funded and organized by the Bhutan Olympic committee and the Bhutan Amateur Athletics Federation.
