This time, the country is promoting wellness tourism through a marathon. Today, over 500 runners from 11 countries took part in the first-ever Association of International Marathons and Distance Races and World Athletics-certified marathon. The Thimphu Marathon is part of the Global Peace Initiative, fostering unity, friendship, and wellness through sport.
Thimphu woke up at dawn today as the city came alive at 5:30 am with the inaugural Thimphu Marathon. The event featured a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and a 10 Kilometre Peace Run, all starting from Kuenselphodrang and winding through some of the scenic landscapes before concluding at Changlimithang Stadium.
Though many participants had run marathons before, runners say today’s race felt joyful and inspiring.
Sangay, the winner of the full marathon in the male category, said, “The Thimphu Marathon track is mostly uphill, and I felt like I was running for the first time. Since this marathon was organised for the first time, winning it makes me really happy.”
“I have participated in other marathons before, but this is the first time I have won. I am very happy about it. Such programs should continue to encourage people to run, for health, for the mind, and for peace,” said Kinley Choki, winner of a full marathon in the female category.
“I came from India to participate in the Thimphu Marathon. Taking part in international marathons motivates our children. I feel happy, excited, and grateful to be here. From the starting point to the finishing point, I felt joyful,” said Durga Bdr Budha, a runner from Nepal who won a half-marathon.
“I am immensely glad that I secured first place in my category. I believe I may have achieved my personal best timing as well. More importantly, it is encouraging to see many Bhutanese participating in such an event,” said Dawa Zangpo, the winner of the 10 Km Peace Run.
The 5-kilometre Green Run and 2.5-kilometre Memorial Run began and ended at Changlimithang Stadium.
Among the runners was the five-year-old Prajwal Chettri from Kalimpong in India. Running alongside more than 220 students, he completed the race proudly as his father took second place in the Full Marathon.
Prajwal Chettri said, “I came here to participate in the marathon. After running, I felt happy, and I want to continue running in the future. I really enjoyed today.”
Like him, there were 155 international athletes participating in the event.
“My dream is to run a marathon in every country in the world, which is why I came to Bhutan. I arrived only yesterday around noon, so I had very little time to adjust. It was difficult to sleep because the altitude here is over 2,000 meters, while I normally live at sea level. That made running challenging for me. But the race was perfectly organised, and the country is very beautiful. I have run and visited many countries, but Bhutan is truly special. I would definitely like to come back,” said Arkadiusz Babij, a runner from Poland.
The founding member of the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee Rajeev Kumar said, “We are conducting these marathons under the initiative of Run for Global Peace. We started this initiative two years ago in Bodh Gaya, India. This is our first edition in Bhutan, which we held today under the same initiative. We aim to spread the message of peace, harmony, wellness, health, and fitness across the globe.”
The organisers say the event will now be held annually, positioning the country as an emerging destination for sports and wellness tourism.
The Thimphu Marathon has not only showcased Bhutan’s scenic beauty but also highlighted its potential as a global hub for endurance sports.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Sangay Chezom
