Thinley Namgay

Four Bhutanese women marathoners are among the 18 contestants from around the world who will compete in the Snowman Race 2024, a gruelling marathon event that traverses the challenging terrains between Laya in Gasa and Bumthang scheduled from October 24 to 28. 

The four Bhutanese women—Pema Choki (30), Karma Yangden (32), Tshering Lhamo (25), and Samten Dema (24)—represent a mix of backgrounds, including two soldiers and two farmers. They are among the seven Bhutanese taking part in the race.

Currently, these athletes are undergoing intensive training in Thimphu with support from the Snowman Race Secretariat and the Bhutan Amateur Athletic Federation. They began their two-month training in Thimphu a month ago. 

Pema Choki and Karma Yangden earned their spots in the Snowman Race through the Highlanders Selection Run while Tshering Lhamo and Samten Dema were chosen during the Trans-Bhutan Trail Selection Run held in June between Thimphu and Paro.

From Laya, Karma Yangden is the winner of the Snowman Race 2022. At that time, she completed the five-day race in 48 hours.

Despite lacking formal education, Karma Yangden, a mother of three, has a deep passion for the Snowman Race. And she is determined to complete the race and raise awareness about climate change.

Having grown up in a high-altitude area, Karma Yangden is not concerned about the harsh climatic conditions of the race. However, she does feel a bit anxious about the possibility of unexpected challenges.

“Being a part of the Snowman Race team is the greatest honour of my life. It provides an opportunity to showcase my talent, and I will try my best. To be honest, I didn’t practice much for the Highlanders Run because I felt it was a bit easy,” she said.

She added that the support from her parents, husband, and relatives keeps her motivated.

Karma Yangden also mentioned that climate change is becoming apparent in the highland regions. “For example, we can now see mosquitoes surviving in Laya, which is unusual.”

Pema Choki also hails from Laya and, like Karma Yangden, is engaged in village work and collecting cordyceps. A mother of one, she did not train specifically for the Highlanders Run but is confident in her abilities due to her extensive experience in Laya runs. 

“I was confident that I would be selected. I have participated in many Laya runs, and that has given me a lot of confidence,” she said. 

Pema views the Snowman Race as a good platform for running enthusiasts to prove their ability, in addition to advocating for climate change. “I did not go to school but getting such an opportunity makes me happy.” 

She is determined to finish the race but is worried about missing the route. “We are undergoing rigorous training in Thimphu right now. I want to make the best use of it,” she said. 

Samten Dema,  from Trashigang, is a newly stationed army constable  in Pelrithang, Gelephu. After completing Class XII from Nima School, she decided to join the army.   

Although she was not an avid runner in school, joining the army sparked her interest in running. When the army headquarters in Thimphu sent letters to different army wings to find interested runners for the race, she promptly decided to participate.   

The Trans-Bhutan Trail was her first competition, and since then, she has been training rigorously to face the high-altitude challenges of the Snowman Race. “I know that the race will be challenging since we have to run at high altitudes but I am determined to complete it.”

From Lhuentse, Tshering Lhamo is  an army constable based in Dewathang, Samdrup Jongkhar. She was recruited into the army only five months ago. 

An enthusiastic runner since her school days, she is focusing on acclimatising quickly and aims to finish the race. “I do not expect to win the race but I want to ensure a tough competition. Most importantly, I have to complete the race.”