Dechen Ugyen, 27, from Dzomi, Punakha won the second edition of the Thimphu Half Marathon in men’s category organised by Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation (BAAF) yesterday.
Runners of the 21-km marathon for adults started from Changlimithang and returned from Namseling to the finish line at Changlimithang.
Of 157 runners, 135 were men.
Dechen Ugyen, a Royal Body Guard soldier, completed the race in one hour 11mins and 25secs, however he couldn’t break last year’s record of one hour, nine minutes and 23secs set by Gawa Zangpo.
Arjun Singh touched the finish line 10 seconds later to claim the second spot. Narendra Ram came third finishing the race in one hour 12mins and four seconds.
Dechen Ugyen is training the BAFF athletes for the South Asian Games in Nepal later this year in December.
“Last year I came fourth in one hour and 14mins, but I did well this year and it is all due to my regular practise with the BAAF athletes,” said Dechen Ugyen.
In the women’s category, Chimi Dema, 23, from Nobgang in Punakha, stood first by completing the race in one hour, 44mins and eight seconds.
Juliana Grace Mamola came second by completing the race in one hour, 48mins and 42secs followed by Pema Zam in third place after finishing the race in two hours, four minutes and 17secs.
Chimi came second in the same event last year. “I participated as I aspire to promote the sport and a running culture in the country and gender equality,” said Chimi Dema.
She is an environment management graduate from Royal Thimphu College this year.
Chimi Dema also took part in the Laya Run during Royal Highland Festival and stood second beating 30 other participants.
The winners were awarded cash prizes of Nu 20,000, Nu 15,000, and Nu 10,000 respectively.
The event was organised to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty The King and promote a healthy life through sports.
Source: Kuenselonline