The 200 kilometre cross country marathon, which started last week from Punakha, ended at the Taktshang monastery in Paro yesterday. Runners raced through trekking routes in Punakha, Thimphu and Paro. About 36 participants from 16 different countries participated in the 6 staged marathon. The winners were awarded prizes by the Chief Justice and Advisor to the Interim Government, Lyonpo Sonam Tobgye.
Salvador Calvo from Spain came in first place, with Manuel Pastor from Spain and Stefan Sigron from Switzerland in second and third positions, respectively. Sophie Sower fron the UK and Zenia Inselmann from Denmark were joint winners in the Women category. Charla Heimer for the USA came third.
The event was organised by Global Limits based in Germany and there are plans to make the marathon an annual event.