Bhutan Ultra Runner Rigzin Chodra Set for
UTMB World Series Challenge in Japan
If you have come across videos of a lone runner pushing through the mountain trails of Bhutan at dawn, climbing steep ridgelines in the rain, or grinding through intense gym sessions long after most people have called it a day, chances are you have already seen Rigzin Chodra. Many know him simply as “Chodra.” Others call him “the fittest man.” Whatever the title, one thing is certain that his commitment to endurance sports is impossible to miss.
For Rigzin, running has never been just about covering distances. It is about showing up every day, even when conditions are difficult, motivation is low, or the body is tired.
It is a mindset he lives by, reflected in his personal motto: “Dreams become reality when determination is stronger than excuses.” Those words are more than a quote. They have become the foundation of his journey. That journey now takes him to Japan.
Bhutanese ultra runner Rigzin Chodra will represent Bhutan at the Kaga Spa Trail Endurance by UTMB in Japan on 21 June 2026, competing in the demanding 56.8-kilometre race category of one of the world’s most respected trail running events. His participation is believed to mark another milestone for Bhutanese trail running, as he becomes the first Bhutanese man to compete in a UTMB event in Japan.
Part of the globally recognised UTMB World Series, the event attracts runners from every corner of the world. This year’s edition is expected to welcome approximately 2,757 athletes representing 55 nations, creating a highly competitive international field. For Rigzin, the race represents another chapter in a journey that has steadily expanded beyond Bhutan’s mountains and onto some of the world’s most iconic trail-running courses.
A Journey Through the UTMB World Series
Japan will not be Rigzin’s first experience on the UTMB circuit. In 2024, he successfully completed the HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB, before achieving another significant milestone in 2025 when he finished the prestigious OCC by UTMB in Chamonix, France.
From the trails of Southeast Asia to the legendary mountains of Europe, and now to one of Asia’s premier UTMB events, his progression reflects years of consistent effort and growing international experience.
Balancing Work, Family and Ultra Running
What makes Rigzin’s story remarkable is that he is not a full-time professional athlete. He is an independent ultra runner who balances his sporting ambitions alongside a demanding professional career. Currently serving as Senior Purchasing Manager at Amankora Bhutan, he manages a six-day work schedule while preparing for some of the world’s toughest endurance races.
Training is carefully fitted around professional and family responsibilities. Weekdays are often spent in the gym, focusing on strength training, recovery sessions, and shorter runs after office hours. Weekends are reserved for long mountain training runs across Bhutan’s rugged terrain. Rain, sunshine, cold mornings, and high-altitude conditions have all become part of his routine.
Among his favourite training grounds are the trails of Phajoding and Pumola, the route between Buddha Point and Changangkha Temple, the paths leading to Dungtsho Lake, and sections of the iconic Druk Path. His preparation has included multiple mountain runs ranging from 30 to 45 kilometres, extensive elevation-gain sessions, marathon races, cycling, strength conditioning, and technical trail-running workouts.
A Self-Funded Dream
Unlike many international athletes, Rigzin’s journey has largely been self-funded. His participation in international races is driven by personal commitment, careful planning, and a genuine passion for representing Bhutan abroad.
While he does not benefit from major sponsorships but several generous well-wishers have stepped forward to support his ambitions. Their encouragement, together with Rigzin’s own investment in race entries, travel, equipment, and training, has allowed him to continue pursuing opportunities on the international stage.
Proven on the Trail
Rigzin’s racing résumé already reflects years of dedication. Among his notable achievements are:
- HOKA Chiang Mai Thailand by UTMB (2024) – completed in 7 hours and 3 minutes
- OCC by UTMB, Chamonix, France (2025) – completed in 8 hours and 20 minutes over 60.7 kilometres
- Bhutan International Full Marathon – completed in 3 hours and 43 minutes
- • Paro Thunder Dragon Full Marathon – completed in 4 hours and 8 minutes
Each event has helped build the experience and confidence required to compete against some of the strongest endurance athletes in the world.
The Kaga Spa Trail Endurance by UTMB attracts elite trail runners, seasoned ultra-distance athletes, and passionate amateurs from across the globe. For Rigzin, standing on the same start line as runners from 55 countries is both exciting and humbling.
“One of the most exciting aspects of participating in a UTMB World Series event is the opportunity to line up alongside athletes from around the world. Many competitors have achieved remarkable success in international trail running, and it is both humbling and motivating to be part of such a prestigious event while representing Bhutan.”
Beyond personal achievement, he views the race as an opportunity to showcase Bhutan and demonstrate that athletes from smaller nations can compete on equal footing through discipline, consistency, and determination. Preparation for Japan has not been without challenges. Less than a month before race day, Rigzin developed ankle inflammation shortly after completing the Thunder Dragon Marathon in Paro. The injury forced him to pause training during a critical stage of preparation.
Instead of rushing his recovery, he focused on rehabilitation, cross-training, and a gradual return to the trails. Although he has resumed mountain training, he remains realistic about the uncertainty that accompanies any injury recovery. “My training has been very strong overall, especially over the past year. The ankle inflammation interrupted my final preparation, and although I have recovered well, there is still some uncertainty about how it will respond over 56.8 kilometres. My focus is to stay healthy, race smart, and represent Bhutan with pride.”
While ultra running often appears to be an individual sport, Rigzin believes his achievements are the result of collective support. He credits his wife for helping him balance training, recovery, nutrition, work, and family life throughout the years.
“Ultra running is never an individual effort. While I am the one on the start line, the journey is shared with my family, colleagues, and everyone who has supported me along the way.”
Rigzin will depart Bhutan on 18 June, travelling through Bangkok and Tokyo before arriving at the race venue. As he prepares for another international challenge, his participation continues to highlight the growing presence of Bhutanese athletes in endurance sports and reinforces Bhutan’s reputation as a natural training ground for mountain athletes. More importantly, he hopes his journey encourages others to step outdoors, embrace trail running, and pursue ambitious goals regardless of their circumstances.
Because for Rigzin Chodra, success has never been about finding the perfect conditions. It has always been about moving forward, one step at a time, with determination stronger than excuses.