The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As the first light of dawn touched the southern hills of Samtse, two runners stood by the roadside, tightening their shoelaces against the cold. With backpacks on their shoulders and Bhutan’s national flag fluttering behind them, they began running, step by step, towards the other end of Bhutan.
The runners are part of Bhutan Road Runners, a self-initiated and independent running group founded by Dilip Rai (39) from Dorokha, Samtse, along with a small group of friends who share a passion for long-distance running.
The idea for Bhutan Road Runners was born from simple conversations among friends who shared a love for running and for the country. “We realized that running across Bhutan could be more than a physical challenge, it could be a way to reconnect with our land, our people, and our purpose,” the group said.
When asked about the group, they shared that Bhutan Road Runners was initially formed by five runners. However, due to personal commitments, only two were able to begin the journey on the scheduled date, while the others could not join at this time.
The runners’ journey stretches across the length and breadth of Bhutan, starting from Samtse and moving through Phuentsholing, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang, and finally ending at Samdrup Jongkhar.
For the group, the route is more than just a map, it is a way to experience the country slowly, connecting with its landscapes, villages, and people in a way that a vehicle-based journey could never allow.
A deliberate decision was made to keep the initiative completely independent. According to the runners, this was about proving sincerity through action. “We wanted to prove our commitment through action before seeking support,” they explained.
They plan to approach the government only later.
The team said,“The smiles, conversations, and encouragement from people along the way have given us a stronger sense of connection and belonging than any vehicle-based journey ever could.”
The journey, however, has been far from comfortable. With limited financial resources, the runners often have to improvise their night halts. “Most nights, we halt near the roadside due to limited options, especially when darkness sets in,” they shared.
As they approach higher regions, cold weather makes camping increasingly difficult. When possible, they rest at small roadside hotels. Meals are a mix of food from roadside eateries and self-cooked food, while recovery consists mainly of rest, stretching, and mental preparation.
Founder Dilip Rai who works as a sales boy at a meat shop, said running has played a transformative role in his life since he began his journey in 2018. What started as a way to stay healthy gradually became a discipline that shaped his mindset.
“Running taught me patience, resilience, and humility,” Dilip said. “It helped me handle stress and stay focused, both personally and professionally.”
For Dilip, this run is not only about physical endurance, but about belief and purpose. “Beyond endurance, this journey is about staying true to a vision even when conditions are uncomfortable,” he said. “It is also my way of giving back to the country by showing that ordinary people can attempt extraordinary things.”
Physically, the challenges have been relentless, cold weather, uneven terrain, long distances, and limited recovery time, especially in the initial days.
“Discipline keeps us moving even when motivation fades,” Dilip said. “Consistency, waking up, running, resting, and repeating, creates momentum. Without discipline, this journey would not be possible.”
On Day One, 13th January, the runners began from Samtse and pushed beyond Phuentsholing, covering over 14 kilometers before camping by the roadside at Sorchen.
On Day Two, the two runners Dilip and Phurba Tshering Lepcha (26) resumed their journey from Sorchen and successfully reached Chukha, continuing their steady progress despite physical fatigue and challenging conditions.
