Bhutan International Marathon — 42.2 km through the Choekhor valley of Bumthang at 2,600 metres, in early March each year.

What a visitor encounters

• The race day

  The marathon starts at 06:30 from Wangdicholing ground; the half-marathon at 07:00; the 10K at 08:00. Sunrise over the Bumthang valleys at the start is the principal photographic register of the morning. Spectators line the course at the principal temple sites.

• The Bumthang setting

  Combine the race weekend with 2–3 days of Bumthang cultural-circuit visits — Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Mebar Tsho — and a Burning Lake visit. The early-March window catches the Bumthang valleys in their late-winter character.

• The post-race ceremony

  Prize-giving is held the evening of race day at the Wangdicholing ground. The Royal Family typically attends; medals are presented by Royal Family members. International runners receive a Bhutanese silk khata blessing at the finish line as a Bhutanese cultural welcome.

• Accommodation in Bumthang

  Amankora Bumthang, Six Senses Bumthang, Wangdicholing Resort, and Jakar Village Lodge. Lodges fill 4–6 months in advance for the race weekend; race-entry packages typically include lodge accommodation.

Frequently asked

When is the Bhutan International Marathon?

Early March each year — the specific date is set annually by the Bhutan Olympic Committee, typically the first Saturday of March. 2026 is projected for 7 March 2026; confirm with the Bhutan Olympic Committee or our concierge for the current year's race.

How tough is the course?

The principal challenge is altitude — the course sits between 2,500 and 2,800 metres, and the typical effect on race pace is approximately 10–15% slower than sea-level personal-best times. The terrain itself is paved road with moderate gradient (the Choekhor valley is relatively flat by Himalayan standards). Pre-event acclimatisation of 3–4 days at altitude is the standard preparation.

What distances are offered?

Full marathon (42.2 km), half marathon (21.1 km), and 10K. The full marathon is the principal international event; the half and 10K are widely participated and welcome international and local runners alike.

How do I register?

Registration is through the Bhutan Olympic Committee's marathon website, typically opening 6–9 months before race day. Our concierge organises the registration, the pre-race acclimatisation logistics, and the broader race-weekend itinerary as a packaged experience for international runners.

What's the weather like?

Early March in Bumthang catches the deep clear-sky winter window. Typical race-day conditions: cold morning (-2°C to 5°C at the 06:30 start), warming to 12–18°C by mid-day. Clear skies in 80%+ of recent race days. Pack proper cold-weather running kit for the start; layers for the post-race ceremony.