Bhutan is all set to host the first-ever Snowman Race between October 13 and 17. Billed as the world's most challenging ultra-marathon, the Snowman Race will include 29 endurance athletes, competing for over 203 kilometres across five days at an oxygen-sparse average of 4500 metres with the highest point of 5470 metres. The brain behind the initiative is His Majesty, The King of Bhutan. Here's all you need to know about the Snowman Race.
Why
The fragile ecosystem of Bhutan makes the country highly vulnerable to the damaging effects of climate shift. The country is exposed yearly to growing calamities such as landslides, unpredictable weather transitions and a rapidly changing ecosystem. Thus, the Snowman Race aims to develop more significant awareness about the climate crisis.
Need To Spread The Message Of Sustainability
The event will highlight the threatening consequences of global warming, especially on the planet's most threatened ecosystems. Bhutan also aims to strengthen its role as a vocal thought leader on climate change and continues to encourage results-driven, sustainable development endeavours throughout the country. The event will end with a virtual climate conclave to be held the next day of the race's final day.
"Bhutan has always championed climate change, and we have globally raised our voice for this cause because we live under great threat from the impacts of climate change. Raising awareness and much-needed funds for protecting our natural environment is one small step in the direction that we all need to move in together before we run out of time," said Ambassador Kesang Wangdi, Chairperson of the Snowman Race Board.
"This is one of our efforts to show that Bhutan is serious about our sustainable pledges, and it really matters to us", added Dorji Dhradhul, Director General of the Tourism Council and the Head of the Snowman Race Secretariat.
Participants
The ultra-marathon will feature athletes from the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Singapore, Tanzania, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and nine from Bhutan. The Bhutanese athletes were chosen via competition and were also provided physical training before the final selection. Similarly, the international athletes were also picked by a team of experts. They will be acclimatized to the rugged and elevated terrain before competing in the race.
Race Path
The race will pass through some of the most stunning areas in the country. These include the remote Lunana area, a rarely visited place that is home to a community of nomadic herders living between glaciers. Competitors will also cross the base of Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain.
The route also includes the mountain passes between Gasa Dzong and Chamkhar Town in Bumthang. It takes in two of the largest national parks in Bhutan, the Jigme Dorji National Park and the Wangchuck Centennial Park. Both parks represent the most biodiverse areas of the eastern Himalayas and are home to several scarce and protected flora and fauna.
