Stage 5 was the longest stage - 55km through the Paro valley and a step closer to our finishing line. Our runners had a split start with the top 19runners starting at 7am and the rest at 6am. They passed the Paro airport and main town, paddy fields, and the foot of the hill where Tiger's Nest is. The finishing line is located at the Drukyal fortress. Although it is under construction, we could still see the greatness of the fortress that was built to celebrate Bhutan's victory against their invaders.

There is no change in the male ranking - Kurt Alderweireldt from Belgium remains in the first place followed by Michael Traub from the USA. Loz Wong from HK/UK defended his third position. There is also no change in the top three ranking of the female category: Sabina Bacinelli from Italy remains in the first place followed by Ruthann Sheahan from Ireland and Wiwin Leung from HK.
Excellent day for Neil Galliford who finished the stage as 4th and improved his overall position significantly to 11th now.

All the runners passed the finishing line at 1846. They are staying with local family while preparing for tomorrow's final stage.