Join us on March 5, 2016 for the Bhutan International Marathon and Half Marathon in one of the world’s most mysterious, beautiful and inaccessible countries.

Both events finish at the beautiful Punakha Dzong in the town of Punakha in the country of Bhutan.

The Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is a land of high mountains and deep valleys where compassion and wisdom are the benchmark against which all things are measured, and where the King rules by ‘Gross National Happiness’.

On your 26.2 mile(42km) or 13.1 mile(21km) journey through stunning rural countryside and villages, before finishing at the historic Punakha Dzong, you’ll discover the geographical and cultural wonders of a country naturally designed to be a tantalizing destination for adventure and spiritual seekers. 100% of the profits made through this event will support Bhutan’s Youth and Olympic Sports programs.

Come for the event, and stay for the travel experience of a lifetime.

Aid stations and Mile Markers

Aid stations are located approximately 2-3.5 miles(3.2km-5.6km) apart. Aid stations will feature water, bananas and sports nutrition products. There will mile marker signs designating your current run distance, at each aid station.

All runners are encouraged to carry a water bottle and any other necessary personal food supplements between aid stations as needed. Aid stations are designed to provide aid to those within the 6.5 hour cut off time.

Traffic

Traffic will be open to vehicles, but will be monitored by local police and transportation officers. Most of this route is in rural Bhutan, so the quantity of vehicles on the road is minimal.

Toilet

Toilet facilities will be set up at each aid station along the route.

Medical

Medical personnel will be available at the finish line as well as roving on the course. There will be an ambulance on standby.

Timing

There will be intermittent and undisclosed check points along the course where you will check in with timing personnel. You will be given your finish time at the Awards Ceremony. Runners shall cross Punakha Suspension Bridge by 1:30 pm. If not, they will be picked up by the sweep team. Cut off time at the finish line is 7 hours from the start line.

Event week Itinerary

Friday, March 4, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM:
Packet Pick Up and race check-in inside Damchen Resort in Khuruthang.

Friday, March 4, 2:00 PM:
Our mandatory pre-race briefing

Saturday, March 5, 2016, 8:00 AM
Full Marathon runners must report to the Damchen Resort Parking Lot and be on the bus by 5:30 AM on race morning in order to catch the bus to the start line of your event.
Half Marathon runners must report to the Damchen Resort Parking Lot and be on the bus by 6:00 AM on race morning in order to catch the bus to the start line of your event.
8:00 AM. Half Marathon Race Start
8:00 AM. Marathon Race Start
1:30 PM. All runners must reach the Pho Chhu suspension bridge.
3:00 PM. Race cutoff time.
5:00 PM. Awards Celebration in Punakha. Our awards ceremony and celebration dinner will be the evening of the race, February 23rd, at 5:00 PM in the Punakha Dzong area. The specific location will be announced at the pre-race briefing.