The Snowman Run Secretariat says it is ready to host the main event next year after successfully completing the 5-day calibration run yesterday at Chamkhar in Bumthang.
Cheered by the students and the public of Bumthang, 36-year-old Sangay Wangchuck from Dagana who is a soldier by profession completed the 305-kilometre ultra-marathon in little over 36 hours and 17 minutes.
“I didn’t expect myself to come first but as the race kept going, I was able to finish the race faster than the other runners every day. That motivated me to push harder. As this is a first-time experience for me running in this sort of ultra-marathon at those altitudes, seeing the glorious mountains and beautiful landscapes inspired me to run faster and push harder towards the finish line,” said Sangay Wangchuk, the winner of the Snowman Calibration Run.
He was awarded a cash prize of Nu 150,000 and a free Drukair ticket to a destination of his choice. The other runners were also awarded cash prizes and complimentary rewards.
He was followed by the other runners as they were ushered to the finishing point and the First Aid Station one by one for a much-needed rest. Signs of exhaustion were eminent. The last two runners who completed the race together finished the race in over 46 hours.
“This year, all 7 of us could complete the race successfully. So I think the result would replicate next year when international participants take part in the marathon,” added Dorji Tshewang, a runner in the Snowman Calibration Run.
The runners who now have first-hand information and experience of the route of the ultra-marathon shared that there are things that can be improved for next year’s main event.
“I think the logistics and arrangements are fairly okay as we get tents during the nights. It is okay if all the participants are Bhutanese next year but, as it will be an open international marathon next year, it will be nice if there are shower facilities at the campsites. Moreover, immediate hot water and tea services would make the participants feel at home,” said Sangay Wanvchuk.
“What I felt about the distance between the campsites is that the first one on the first day between Gasa and Rodophu is quite short and the one between Rodophu and Tsojo is too long. It will be better if the second day can start from Narithang,” shared Dorji Tshewang.
The runners also shared the experience of the effects of climate change in the alpine mountains.
“Through the marathon, I could see that the effects of global warming are obvious because when I talked to the people living across the route of the marathon, most of the glaciers that have now melted were intact not very long ago,” said Sangay Wangchuk.
“I went to some parts of the route in 2017 with tourists and this time I found out that most of the glaciers I have seen before have melted and got their size reduced. So, I think it is worrying times for all of us as the impacts of climate change are real,” added Dorji Tshewang.
Meanwhile, the Snowman Run Secretariat and its board, which are responsible for the smooth conduct of the event, said they are confident that the event would be a success next year.
“The main objective of this calibration run is actually to find out and get lessons so that we can get better prepared for next year. Though we are yet to interact with the runners themselves on the details of the routes but as of now, I think what we have learnt is that there are no major difficulties and shortcomings, so, therefore, we feel that going by this year’s calibration run, we feel that we are very ready to implement and conduct the first edition of the Snowman Run, the ultimate run against climate change,” said Dorji Dradhul, the Head, Snowman Run Secretariat.
At the closing ceremony yesterday, the Snowman Run Secretariat received Nu 3 M contribution from the Royal Bhutan Helicopter Services.
The Snowman Run is an ultra-marathon, challenging the world’s fittest and most elite runners to help raise awareness on the impacts of climate change. The Run is emanated from His Majesty’s visit to the highlands with a goal to protect the country’s natural environment and preserve the natural unique age-old culture and tradition of the highland communities, adversely affected by the climate change.
