To commemorate the 116th National Day, more than 150 runners took part in the first edition of the Thimphu City Run held this morning. 41-year-old Tashi Norbu secured the first position in the men’s category while Yeshi Dema bagged the first position in the women’s category. The marathon themed Run for Healthy City is one of the build-up programmes for the National Day by the Thimphu Thromde.
The marathon flagged off from Changlimithang at 9 this morning.
The runners had to reach the clock tower to cross the finish line after running for almost eleven kilometres.
Tashi Norbu completed today’s close to 11-kilometre marathon in 39 minutes and 58 seconds.
Following him, 33-year-old Jampel Choda completed the race a minute later. And, 21-year-old Karma Kuenzang Tshering from the Royal Bhutan Army secured the third position completing the race in 43 minutes.
In the women’s category, 23-year-old Yeshi Dema won the race in 50 minutes. 26-year-old Jangchub Choden came in second in 52 minutes followed by 27-year-old Chimi Dema who crossed the line in 59 minutes and 13 seconds.
The winners were awarded cash prizes and certificates.
The first edition of the marathon held by the Thimphu Thromde drew participants including both local and international communities.
“I am so tired, but I enjoyed the run. This is my second time participating in such runs in Bhutan. I never ran here in Thimphu, so today, I got to enjoy the city, road, and everything else,” said Ohuchi Haruko, a participant.
“Running always makes me feel positive. If I do not run in the morning, my whole day does not feel good. Running subdues all the evil thoughts that I have in me. It makes me feel very good. Having participated in the marathon today, I feel so proud and good,” said Nim Gyaltshen, another participant.
Thimphu Thromde plans to organize the marathon annually hereafter.
The event was held in collaboration with the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation, BAAF.
Tashi Dekar
Edited by Phub Gyem
