Status expected to drive tourism, attract top athletes, global media
Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia Athletics (MA) and Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA) to help secure a World Athletics Label Road Race designation.
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the collaboration marked an important step in elevating PBIM’s international standing and strengthening its position as one of the country’s leading events.
“The MOU marks an important step forward for PBIM, but I want to be clear that it does not mean we are starting from scratch.
“PBIM is certified by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races, a designation we’ve held for years.
“This assures runners that their finish times meet internationally recognised standards,” he said at a press conference in George Town.
Wong added that the event’s Abbott World Marathon Majors ranking placed the event on the radar of serious marathoners.
With the official sanction by MA and joint endorsement of PAAA, the event was affirmed as one of the largest and most credible marathon events in Malaysia.
The next major step, he said, was to secure World Athletics status, with MA providing technical guidance and support.
“As organising chairman, I do not take this endorsement lightly.
“It means our course measurements, medical protocols, timing systems and race operations will now be held to a standard set by the national federation and, in time, World Athletics itself.
“That is not a small commitment for our committee to take on, but it is exactly the commitment we are ready to make.”
Obtaining this status would not only enhance PBIM’s international profile, he said, but also benefit Penang’s tourism sector by attracting elite athletes, international media and runners from abroad.
The recognition will also provide local runners the opportunity to compete in an internationally recognised event on home ground.
Wong also announced that PBIM and the state would support the Malaysia Junior Under-18 athletics selection programme to be held annually in Penang.
He said the initiative reflected the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
“A world-class marathon must also invest in future athletes.
“By supporting the Malaysia Junior Under-18 selection programme, we are helping to build a strong pipeline of young runners who may one day compete at higher levels,” he said.
MA acting president Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh said PBIM has evolved into one of the country’s leading road races, promoting a healthy lifestyle, sports tourism and Malaysia’s reputation as a destination for international sporting events.
“The partnership will strengthen governance, technical standards and compliance with MA and World Athletics requirements,” he said, adding that MA viewed road running as a gateway to competitive athletics.
Present at the press conference were PAAA honorary secretary V. Govindasamy, Aspen divisional director Nadiah Wong Abdullah and Klippa Shopping Centre (Ikea Batu Kawan) deputy commercial manager Jo Saw.
