The Course

So we’ve finally managed to get the course measured and are having them accredited by the Bhutan Olympic Committee, the pinnacle sports body in the Kingdom. To counter check, I drove over the course to take a few photos and it looks like it will be a real fun run! Please see the attached maps and elevation charts. The following are a brief description of the courses

Half Marathon (21.09km)

The Marathon begins at Changlimithang National Stadium situated in the center of Thimphu town on the left bank of the Thimphu Chhu (river). The marathon will start after a traditional Marchhang ceremony to invoke the deities for the protection and good luck for all the participants. After two kilometers of flat running from the start, runners will cross over to the right side of the valley at Langjophakha bridge (2405m). From then on 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. After crossing the Langjophakha bridge 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 Changlimithang stadium.

Full Marathon (42.195km)

The full marathon begins at the same place in Changlimithang 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

Race Schedule

Sunday 7th September 2008

05:30 AM : Warm-up/Stretching

05.45 AM : Start at Changlemithang National Stadium

13.00 PM : Close of Race

14.30 PM : Awards Ceremony

Time Limit: The Marathon will be limited to 7 hours. All runners remaining on the course shall be removed once seven hours has lapsed.

Please Note: No baby carriages, in-line skates, roller blades, or bicycles will be allowed on the course on the Race Day. In addition, non-participants are not permitted on to run or walk with any competitors during the marathon.

Aid Stations: There will be ten aid stations located along the course. The aid stations will be equipped with water, sports drinks, and sponges. Medical assistance will be set-up at every aid station starting after the 5 kilometre mark. Please look for the first aid flag indicating medical assistance is available.

Please drop sponges in the bins provided at or near the stations. Please keep moving through the aid stations to avoid congestion.

Weather: Precautions should be taken against the sun or cold and potential rain or wind. Temperatures range from 12 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius during the month of September. The race start will be cooler due to the official start time.

Warning / Caution: Due to the elevation of Marathon Bhutan, it is extremely important to take sufficient fluids and to get adequate rest prior to the race. Inadequate preparation, training and pacing and inadequate hydration could result in life-threatening conditions. Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided 48 prior to the marathon. Should you begin to experience any difficulties, please seek medical assistance.

The Finer Details of the Race

Race Day

Start Location: National Stadium in Changlemithang

Finish Location: National Stadium in Changlemithang

Start: 5.45 AM on Sunday, September 07, 2008.

Bus Service: Bus Service will only be provided at specified pick-up points. A list of hotels that are eligible for the participants bus service the day of the race (to the start line) will be provided in the race package bags. Spectators will be transported on a space-available basis. A majority of the hotels are within walking distance to the start of the race.

Spectators: An on course bus service will be offered to all registered spectators. For your comfort, please carry a jacket, an umbrella, a bottle of water and snacks to ensure your comfort while watching the marathon.

The Finish Line

Upon crossing the finish line, promptly move through the finish area in order to accommodate the other competitors crossing the finish line.

Photography: Runners will be photographed at three locations along the course, and at the finish line. An on-line purchase system will be available online several days after the race. Please check the website once you return home. All photographs posted will be identified by the racer’s bid number.

**All information is subject to change.**