First Thimphu Marathon takes place

The marathon was jointly organized by the Thimphu Marathon Committee in association with the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee, under the visionary theme of “Run for Global Peace.”

With 504 runners representing 12 countries from Bhutan, India, USA, Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, Japan, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand, the event was one of the largest-ever international running events held in Bhutan. 38% of the participants were female.

The event featured five categories. The Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10 Km Peace Run were flagged off at the iconic Buddha Dordenma, offering breathtaking views of Bhutan’s landscapes. The 5 Km Green Run and 2.5 Km Memorial Run started from Changlimithang Stadium, which also served as the common finish line for all races.

A highlight was the 2.5 Km Memorial Run, with 216 runners where participants circled the sacred Memorial Chorten three times – a deeply symbolic and historic gesture in Bhutanese running history.

A total cash prize pool of 500,000 BTN (4,820 EUR) was awarded across categories, boosting Bhutan’s sporting culture.

The inaugural Thimphu Marathon was organized as part of the Run for Global Peace Initiative, launched by the Bodh Gaya Marathon Committee in collaboration with the Thimphu Marathon Committee. This initiative underscores the role of sports in fostering unity, peace, and friendship across nations.

With plans to expand participation to 20 nations in the next edition, Bhutan is poised to become a global hub for mindful running, wellness tourism, and peace building. From sacred trails to scenic valleys, the Thimphu Marathon invites the world to experience Bhutan—not just as a destination, but as a journey of purpose, unity, and joy.