Bhutan’s Mountains Reach the World
Rigzin Chodra and Jigme Tenzin at UTMB, France
Before the sun rises over the misty Himalayan peaks, Rigzin Chodra and Jigme Tenzin are already on the trails, their breaths mingling with the crisp morning air. Across Bhutan’s rugged landscapes, they run with a singular purpose: to represent their country at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB) World Series in France.
For Rigzin, 44, a Senior Purchasing Manager at Amankora Bhutan, and Jigme, 38, a Flight Operations Officer at Drukair, Royal Bhutan Airlines, the journey has been a relentless test of endurance, both physically and mentally. Balancing demanding careers with the rigorous training required for one of the world’s most challenging trail running events has meant early mornings, late nights, and countless sacrifices.
In 2024, they qualified for the UTMB through the UTMB by HOKA Chiang Mai in Thailand, earning the coveted UTMB Index points that opened the door to Mont-Blanc, one of the most iconic events in trail running. But qualification was only the beginning. The path to France demanded personal investment, both financially and emotionally, reflecting the sheer dedication required to pursue this dream.
“This is more than a race,” Rigzin says, eyes reflecting the determination that carried him across Bhutan’s peaks. “It’s about showing the world the spirit of Bhutan. Every trail we run, every hill we climb, carries the story of our people—resilient, humble, and connected to the mountains we call home.”
Jigme adds, “Running in these mountains is a meditation in motion. It’s a test of endurance, but also patience, discipline, and heart. Bhutan’s youth have immense potential; our mountains are not just beautiful—they are our training grounds, waiting to shape champions.”
Their story is one of balancing extremes: demanding professional responsibilities with the exacting discipline of endurance training. Rigzin’s mornings often begin with cycling or gym workouts before heading to work, where precision and focus are paramount. Jigme’s days are equally intense, navigating complex flight operations while making time for grueling high-altitude runs, including record-setting routes such as from Lukla to Everest Base Camp.
Fitness and Motivation Tips from Bhutan’s UTMB Trailblazers
Morning Routine: Trail runs, cycling, strength exercises.
Diet: High-protein, natural foods—rice, lentils, vegetables, fresh fish, local fruits; consistent hydration.
Mental Training: Meditation, visualization, pacing strategies.
Motivation: Embrace the journey, celebrate small wins, and never let obstacles deter you from your dream.
Despite the hardships, both athletes never wavered. They sacrificed leisure, social gatherings, and comfort, driven by a vision bigger than themselves—a vision to place Bhutan on the global trail running map. Behind every run lies a story of determination, a quiet struggle of balancing life, work, and a dream that demanded everything they could give.
Family support has been a cornerstone of their journey. Rigzin credits his wife for helping structure his training, guiding his diet, and offering unwavering moral support. Jigme similarly acknowledges the encouragement of his family, who celebrated early mornings and late-night runs with him, understanding the sacrifices required to chase such a dream. Both athletes also express deep gratitude to Druk Air, which provided significant support, allowing them to focus fully on preparation and training.
Their hope is to inspire not only aspiring athletes but all Bhutanese to embrace the spirit of perseverance. Their journey is a message: you don’t need to be a professional athlete to pursue your dreams. Start where you are, commit wholeheartedly, and let resilience and discipline guide your path. The mountains of Bhutan are more than breathtaking landscapes—they are teachers, testing endurance, shaping character, and revealing the strength that lies within.
As Rigzin and Jigme stand at the edge of the world’s most grueling trails, they carry more than backpacks and running shoes—they carry the spirit of Bhutan itself. Every stride echoes the mountains that shaped them, every breath is a testament to years of unseen effort, and every heartbeat whispers a message to those who dare to dream: courage is forged in persistence, and dreams become real when you refuse to stop moving forward.
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