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The course

The course will revert to the original start/finish point at the National Stadium in Changlimithang. We were unable to use the stadium last year as it was under renovations for the coronation of our 5th King, His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. The coronation was held on November 6th, 2008. A Google search will provide those interested with a lot of interesting hits. FLICKR has some great photographs.

Half Marathon (21.09km)

The Marathon begins at National Stadium situated in the center of Thimphu town near the Lungtenzampa bridge. The marathon will start after a traditional Marchhang ceremony to invoke the deities for the protection and good luck for all the participants. Runners make a gradual climb through a mixed conifer forest all the way up to Dechenchholing (2410m) which is about seven and a half kilometers from the start. Runners are treated to views of the Tashichho Dzong (fortress) and National Assembly Hall. At the Dechencholing bridge(2382m) runners will once again cross over to the left side of the valley. Here the two courses diverge. Full marathoners continue north while half marathoners will turn back towards Thimphu. At Dechencholing, racers will pass Her Majesty the Queen Mother’s palace and follow a scenic route all the way down to Thimphu (2384m). Runners will then follow a route that leads above and around Thimphu town, the highest point being at 2480m. Running past several important landmarks and centuries old monasteries, marathoners will work their way through Thimphu to finish at the start in the National Stadium.

Full Marathon (42.195km)

The full marathon begins at the same place in the National Stadium(2305m) and follows the half marathon route up to Dechencholing(2410m). While half marathoners turn back towards Thimphu from here, full marathoners contine up the left side of the valley. After an initial climb to 2508m just after Dechencholing, the course somewhat levels out and goes up to Begana bridge(2510m). Once again runners cross over to the right hand side of the valley. On this final leg, before retracing your steps, full marathoners run along the river through and oak and conifer forest. The turnabout point is at the foot of the ancient and sacred Cheri monastery(2583m). At this point runners will retrace their steps back to Dechencholing and join the half marathon course to the finish.

The competitors will be required to travel without outside assistance. However, official aid stations will be set-up along the course - to provide water, sport drinks and first-aid assistance.

Marathon Map.pdf

Thimphu map.pdf