We have compiled answers to all the possible questions regarding the Bhutan International Marathon for your convenience. To make it easier for our participants, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section to find all the information you need.
The Bhutan International Marathon is an annual race held in Punakha, Bhutan, offering Full Marathon and Half Marathon categories. The event combines athletic challenge with Bhutan’s pristine landscapes, culture, and high-altitude environment.
The 12th Bhutan International Marathon will take place on 7th March 2026 in Punakha, Bhutan.
You can register online through the official website’s registration page. Complete the form, submit required details, and make the payment to confirm your entry.
Registration fees vary for Bhutanese and international participants and for Full and Half Marathon categories. The updated fees are listed on the official registration page.
Once you register and make payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your registration number, event details, and race kit information.
The marathon has a generous cutoff time that allows most participants to finish comfortably. Exact cutoff times are announced before race day.
Most international runners require a Bhutan visa, arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The marathon registration does not replace visa processing.
Shuttle services are arranged for registered participants to reach the starting point. Details are shared by email and posted on the website before the event.
Registration transfers are not allowed.
Early March in Punakha is cool and pleasant, with morning temperatures between 10°C–18°C. Expect mild sunshine and light breeze — ideal for running.
Official results are published on the website soon after the race. Participants also receive confirmations via email.
The marathon offers:
Prize money is awarded for top finishers in both Full and Half Marathon categories. Updated prize amounts for 2026 are listed on the Prize Money page.
The race route runs through Punakha Valley, crossing villages, farmland, riversides, and historic landmarks including the iconic Punakha Dzong area.
The course ranges from approximately 1,200 to 1,400 meters above sea level. Runners should prepare for mild altitude conditions.
Yes. The course is well-marked, aid stations are available, and many first-time marathon runners participate each year. However, basic endurance training is recommended.
Your race kit typically includes:
Yes. Aid stations with water, energy drinks, medical support, and snacks are placed at regular intervals along the course.
Medical teams are stationed throughout the route and at the finish line to ensure runner safety.
Registration fees are generally non-refundable.
The marathon offers a unique combination of spectacular scenery, cultural immersion, high-altitude challenge, and a once-in-a-lifetime running experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
The event offers two race options: a full marathon (42.195 km/26.2 miles) and a half marathon (21 km/13.1 miles).
The registration deadline for all participants is 8 days prior to the event. No registrations will be accepted after this date.
To register, complete the registration form and submit it either in person at the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) offices in Thimphu or online if paying by credit card
Email your filled registration form and payment receipt to bhutaninterntionalmarathon@gmail.com
Yes, international participants can register through a secure online payment gateway using a credit card (Click here)
If you prefer not to use a credit card, you can download the registration form, complete it, and wire transfer your entry fee using the provided bank details for USD remittance (Click here)
The registration form can be downloaded from the official event website under the registration section (Click here)
You can pay the registration fee by wiring the amount using the provided details or by paying in person at the BOC office in Thimphu.
No, registrations will not be accepted after the deadline, which is 8 days prior to the event.
The bank details for wire transfer will be provided during the registration process for international participants (Click here)
Yes, you can submit your registration form in person at the Bhutan Olympic Committee office in Thimphu.
You need to finalize your registration by wiring the registration fee or paying in person at the BOC office after submitting your form or email the forms to bhutaninternationalmarathon@gmail.com
Yes, after you complete the registration process and payment, you will receive a confirmation of your successful registration.
Please check the event’s refund and cancellation policy on the official website for details regarding refunds (Click here)
Any requests to change your race category should be directed to the event organizers before the registration deadline.
The event offers a Full Marathon (42.19 km) and a Half Marathon (21 km).
Both the Full Marathon and Half Marathon races start at 8:00 AM.
The Full Marathon starts at Gasa Dzongkhag.
The Half Marathon starts at a point along the Full Marathon route and follows the second half of the Full Marathon course.
The finish is at the Kaja Throm
The Full and Half Marathon has a mix of hard-packed dirt trails, paved roads.
Full Marathon participants must report to the Kuruthang Taxi Parking by 5:45 AM. Half Marathon participants must report by 6:45 AM.
Participants will receive a technical running shirt featuring the Bhutan International Marathon logo a race bag, chip timing.
Yes, aid stations with water and medical support will be available throughout the race route at every 4.5km to 5.5kms.
Bhutan participants pay Nu. 2000 for the Full Marathon and Nu. 1500 for the Half Marathon.
International participants pay USD $175 for the Full Marathon and USD $125 for the Half Marathon.
Yes, SAARC participants and expats holding work permits pay USD $85 for the Full Marathon and USD $65 for the Half Marathon.
You can pay the fee by wiring the registration amount to the provided bank details or in person at the Bhutan Olympic Committee (BOC) office. International participants can pay online using a credit card (Click here)
No, the registration fee must be paid before the event or during packet pick-up at the BOC office or the packet pick-up venue.
Packets can be picked up at the New Multi-Sports Hall in Khuruthang, above the Taxi Parking, during the scheduled packet pick-up times.
Please bring a picture ID for check-in to collect your race number and packet.
Yes, personal belongings will be transported from the start line to the finish line for all participants.
Yes, a pre-race briefing will be held at the same venue as packet pick-up, providing essential information for all participants.
The finish is at the Kaja Throm
The Full and Half Marathon has a mix of hard-packed dirt trails, paved roads.
Full Marathon participants must report to the Kuruthang Taxi Parking by 5:45 AM. Half Marathon participants must report by 6:45 AM.
Participants will receive a technical running shirt featuring the Bhutan International Marathon logo a race bag, chip timing.
Yes, aid stations with water and medical support will be available throughout the race route at every 4.5km to 5.5kms.
Yes, special awards will be given to the top competitors in each race.
The awards celebration will include traditional entertainment and raffle prizes for participants and spectators, refreshments, massage, music and entertainments.
Yes, every finisher will receive a special gift as a memento of their participation.
Yes, spectators are welcome to attend the awards ceremony and enjoy the entertainment.
For any additional queries or further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our Race Director. We are here to ensure that all your concerns are addressed promptly and that you have a smooth and enjoyable marathon experience.
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