Bhutan to host first-ever Snowman Race, the world's toughest ultra-marathon

The Tourism Council of Bhutan TCB on behalf of the Snowman Race Secretariat has announced that Bhutan is set to host the firstever Snowman Race in the world It is said to be the most difficult ultramarathon and will be held from October 13 to October 17 this yearNine runners from Bhutan are among the 29 endurance athletes who will compete across a distance of 203 kilometres 125 miles spread over five days at an average altitude of 4500 metres 14800 feet with the highest point reaching 5470 metres 17946 feet Fewer people than those who have climbed Mount Everest have finished the path which is known as the toughest race in the world It typically takes 20 to 25 days to completeHis Majesty The King of Bhutans project The Race aims to raise public awareness of the climate issue Bhutan is extremely vulnerable to the negative effects of climate change because of its delicate ecosystem The country is subject to a rising number of disasters each year including landslides unpredictable weather fluctuations and an ecology that is changing quicklyThe occasion will draw attention to the shockingly real effects of global warming especially on the most endangered ecosystems on the planet like those in the high Himalayas Bhutan also seeks to strengthen its position as a vocal thought leader on climate change and keeps supporting efforts for sustainable development that are focused on getting outcomes across the whole nation A virtual climate conclave which will take place the day after the races last day will wrap up the eventRunners from the United States Canada Japan Australia France Germany Singapore Tanzania Switzerland and the United Kingdom will compete in the ultramarathon along with nine athletes from Bhutan The Bhutanese athletes are chosen through competition and prior to the choice they receive physical preparation Similar to this a group of specialists who trained under the direction of the Snowman Race production also choose the international athletes Before they take part in the Race they will all become used to the rocky mountainous terrainThe Race will travel the Snowman Trail Bhutans most difficult trekking trail travelling through some of the most breathtaking regions of the country including the wild Lunana area a rarely visited settlement of nomadic herders living between glaciers Additionally competitors will go through the base of Gangkhar Puensum the highest mountain that has never been climbed and Bhutans tallest peak at 7570m24836ftBetween Gasa Dzong and Chamkhar Town in Bumthang the path crosses the mountain passes and in some places soars to altitudes of 5470 metres 17946 ft The Jigme Dorji National Park and the Wangchuck Centennial Park two of the largest national parks in the nation are traversed by the trail Both parks have a variety of highly rare and protected plants and animals and they span from deciduous woodland to ice fields and glaciers in the eastern HimalayasAlso Read Planning a trip Essential tips to smartly plan your travel and accommodation this festive seasonThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever