Bhutan International Marathon
Punakha, Bhutan · Monday 1 March 2027
The Bhutan International Marathon takes place in March 2025 in Punakha on a moderately hilly trail course that climbs through mountain terrain between 1,210 and 1,722 meters elevation. This is a genuine trail marathon rather than a road race, so expect technical footing and sustained climbing that will demand serious preparation and respect for the course. The race has been running since 2010 and attracts international runners seeking something beyond the standard marathon experience, with an emphasis on the journey through Bhutan's landscape rather than pure competition. Plan for a slow, grind-it-out effort on the hills, bring appropriate trail shoes with good traction, and arrive early to acclimate to the altitude before race day.
Difficulty Calculator
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Adjusted Time
4:12:47
Time difference: +12.8 minutes compared to a flat, road, temperate course.
Course Details
Elevation Gain471m
Elevation High1722m
Elevation Low1210m
How hard is Bhutan International Marathon?
Difficultharder than 71% of marathons
Flattest / easiestHardest
On our difficulty model, Bhutan International Marathon plays about 13 minutes slower than an average road marathon for a 3:30 runner. It ranks #339 hardest of 1150 marathons we analyse, and #2 of 2 in Bhutan. Use the calculator above to see the exact adjusted time for your own goal pace.
What will you run at Bhutan International Marathon?
Estimated finish times on this course versus the same effort on an average road marathon, based on its elevation, surface, and expected race-day temperature.
| Average-course time | On Bhutan International Marathon | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00:00 | 3:04:18 | +04:18 |
| 3:30:00 | 3:38:16 | +08:16 |
| 4:00:00 | 4:12:47 | +12:47 |
| 4:30:00 | 4:47:50 | +17:50 |
| 5:00:00 | 5:23:21 | +23:21 |
| 5:30:00 | 5:59:18 | +29:18 |
| 6:00:00 | 6:35:40 | +35:40 |
Use the calculator above for your exact goal time. Want a prediction from your own training? Try the marathon time predictor.
Bhutan International Marathon 2027 Course Analysis
Bhutan International Marathon is a full marathon held in Punakha, Bhutan. It is scheduled for Monday 1 March 2027. The course is run on road surface with 471m of total climbing, with its high point near 1722m above sea level. For registration and full race details, visit the official Bhutan International Marathon website.
Elevation Profile
This is a hilly course with 471m of total climbing, rising to around 1722m above sea level. It pays to train on hills and to pace the climbs conservatively.
Surface Type: Road
Bhutan International Marathon is run on road surfaces, which provide the fastest and most predictable conditions for racing. Road courses allow for consistent pacing and are typically the best choice for a personal best.
Looking for an easier marathon or a tougher challenge? You can also compare Bhutan International Marathon against other marathons to find the right race for your goals.
Marathons of similar difficulty
If Bhutan International Marathon fits your goal, these courses play out about the same on our difficulty model.