November 23: For the first time a mountain marathon was organized in Paro Yesteday. The 42 kilometer run began from the Olathang hotel taking the participants to Zhiwaling hotel at Satsham chorten and back to Olathang from where the runners took the old path to Chelela and then back to Olathang.

Lhakpa Tashi Sherpa, a taekwondo player, came first completing the run in five hours 49 minutes.

Phub Dorji, a final year trainee from the Paro College of Education came second. He completed the run in six hours 45 minutes.

Tshering Tobgay, another final year trainee from Paro College of Education came third. The winner was given Nu. 20,000, followed by Nu. 15,000 and Nu. 10,000.

The owner of the Blue Poppy Tours and Treks Choki Dorji said they will be making the marathon an annual event.

46 people including 20 from the United Kingdom participated in the marathon.

It was organized by the Blue Poppy Tours and Treks in collaboration with a European company called 209 Events. The company organizes marathon runs around the world.