The Bhutan International Marathon proudly unveils the official medal for its 12th edition, taking place on 7 March 2026 , a special time when winter slowly gives way to spring and Bhutan prepares to welcome a new season of renewal and hope.
Created under the theme “Ascent of Happiness,” this year’s medal has been designed not only as an award, but as a symbol of meaning, care, and deep connection.
A Front That Speaks to the Heart
At the front of the medal rests the sacred Dorji (Vajra) ,a timeless Bhutanese symbol of strength, clarity, and inner resilience.
Its presence reminds every runner that happiness is not simply reached at the finish line. It is built step by step, breath by breath, through effort, courage, and intention.
The intricate golden patterns surrounding the Dorji echo movement and upward flow , capturing the spirit of rising, growing, and moving toward a brighter state of being.
A Back That Honors Heritage
On the reverse side, the medal carries a beautifully engraved image of Punakha Dzong, peacefully resting between river and mountains.
A guardian of Bhutan’s history and spirituality, the Dzong represents harmony, wisdom, and continuity , values that quietly guide both the marathon and the people who run it.
Holding the medal feels like holding a piece of Bhutan’s story.
This year’s theme, “The Ascent of Happiness,” reflects what the Bhutan International Marathon truly stands for. It is not only about finishing fast. It is about showing up, challenging yourself, staying present, and discovering that happiness grows through effort, purpose, and connection.
Runners come from different countries, backgrounds, and abilities — yet everyone shares the same journey forward. The marathon becomes a reminder that happiness is not something we wait for. It is something we build step by step, together.
This idea is carried into the design of the medal, the experience on the course, and the atmosphere surrounding the event — from the volunteers cheering along the route to the quiet beauty of Bhutan’s landscape.
The medal has been created with the same intention that guides the marathon itself: respect, authenticity, and attention to detail.
Every element, the golden finish, the traditional Bhutanese patterns, the careful engraving has been thoughtfully considered. Nothing feels decorative for the sake of it. Everything has a role in telling the story of Bhutan, the race, and the runner’s journey.
This is why the medal is not just a souvenir. It becomes a reminder of effort, discipline, and the privilege of running in a place where culture, nature, and well-being are deeply connected. For many runners, it becomes one of the most meaningful medals they ever receive , not because of its size or shine, but because of the experience behind it.
The Bhutan International Marathon continues to grow each year, not only as a sporting event, but as a unique opportunity to experience Bhutan in a sincere and personal way through movement, community, and purpose.
