Over 200 runners, including 50 internationals, have registered for the 11th Bhutan International Marathon in Punakha. The race, organized by BOC and the Department of Tourism, features full and half marathons, with both races ending at Kaja Throm. BIM is a significant national event promoting tourism, attracting international runners who pay the SDF, benefiting the government and boosting the hospitality sector. To boost involvement and awareness, DoT aggressively promotes BIM through the media and its partners. As the event’s main objective is to promote tourism through sports, race coordinator Sonam Tobgay emphasized the potential of BIM to draw in more visitors.
Additionally, he affirmed that the SDF for international participants has not been lowered. For Bhutanese runners, the registration cost is Nu 1,500 for the half marathon and Nu 2.000 for the full marathon. Expatriates in Bhutan with work licenses pay USD 65, while runners from SAARC nations pay USD 85. The cost for international runners is USD 125 for the half marathon and USD 175 for the full marathon. In March, Bhutan hosts the 10th edition of BIM, a marathon race in Punakha Valley, featuring a stunning route through rice paddies, traditional villages, and dense forests. The event attracts nearly 250 participants, including 60 international runners.