Thimphu, November 1 — The 18th Thimphu Half Marathon, organized by the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation (BAAF) with support from the Bhutan Olympic Committee, painted the capital in hues of endurance and unity this morning. Despite the chilly drizzle and grey skies that greeted the city at dawn, nothing could extinguish the fire and enthusiasm of the runners who turned up in full spirit to celebrate fitness, focus, and fraternity.

The marathon, held to commemorate the Coronation Day of His Majesty The King and the 70th Birth Anniversary of His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo, saw 135 participants competing across five categories.

At precisely 7:00 AM, the race began with cheers echoing through the misty streets of Thimphu. Though the morning was cold and damp, the energy was anything but. Every runner, from seasoned athletes to first-time participants, carried an infectious determination — their smiles brighter than the morning sun hidden behind the clouds. “The weather doesn’t matter when the heart is warm,” said one participant, wrapping up the collective spirit of the day.

This year’s winners showcased remarkable strength and consistency. In the 21 km Open Men’s category, Bhudha Puma claimed the top spot with an impressive time of 1:22:21, followed by Karma Phuntsho (1:23:20) and Ugyen Tshering (1:24:12). The 21 km Open Women’s category saw Lhamo finish first, clocking 1:34:49, with Dawa Chozom and Tashi Choden securing second and third respectively.

The Armed Forces Men’s 21 km event showcased exceptional athleticism, with Sangay taking the gold with a blazing time of 1:13:46, followed by Jampel Choda (1:16:16) and Tashi Phuntsho (1:17:28).

In the 10 km Veteran Men’s race, Karma Wangdi led the pack with 00:43:53, while Lotay Zangmo emerged as the top performer in the Women’s category with 1:02:11.

Beyond the results, what truly stood out was the camaraderie, encouragement, and sheer joy that filled the streets — from supporters cheering along the route to runners helping each other cross the finish line.

The Thimphu Half Marathon once again lived up to its spirit of promoting health, mindfulness, and national unity.

For the full list of results, visit: Alpha Racing Solution Results Page