Penang Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin (on right) and Penang Amateur Athletics Association president Datuk Syed Mohd Aidid Syed Murtaza lighting the virtual flame to mark the launch of the Penang Bridge International Marathon's new logo at Queensbay Mall.
THE Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) Virtual Run 2020, which was initially scheduled for Nov 21 and 22, has been extended until Dec 31.
While the commencement date of the run remains unchanged on Nov 21, the last day of the run is now Dec 31 in order to provide more flexibility for runners following the announcement of the conditional movement control order imposed at various states in Malaysia until Dec 6.
PBIM chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said runners can now choose to run at any day from midnight on Nov 21 until 11.59pm on Dec 31 following the Malaysian time zone.
The registration for the PBIM virtual run is also extended until Dec 20.
“This is to take into account the different circumstances of all our runners. It would allow more flexibility for runners to run at their most optimum schedule in consideration of the limitations imposed by the pandemic.
“The virtual run this year will have runners of different nationalities and countries joining the marathon.
“Some of which may be running under different movement restrictions imposed by different governments worldwide.
“The most important values are still to keep yourselves safe and adhere to the necessary protocols and SOPs.
“In upholding the spirit of sportsmanship even amid Covid-19, the registration for the run this year is free for all runners in line with #PBIMVR #runningagainst Covid19, ” said Yeoh in a statement.
Yeoh, who is also Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman, said the run this year has four categories, namely 5km, 10km, 21km (half marathon) and 42km (full marathon).
Although there are no race packs or finisher medals, participants would be eligible for the e-certificate if they manage to complete the race within the respective qualifying time of 1 hour and 15 minutes (5km), 2 hours (10km), 3.5 hours (half marathon) and 7 hours (full marathon).
He said the 5km (fun run) is a new category this year for participants aged 12 and above to encourage familial participation.
“There is an age limit for participation, namely 16 years old and above for the 10km run, while participants must be 18 and above for participation in the half marathon (21km) and full marathon (42km) categories.”
Runners who have registered for PBIM 2020 earlier would need to re-register for the virtual run to receive the virtual run bib number.
He said runners will need to complete their registration and connect one tracking app or GPS wearables to MyVRace by Sport Heroes and ensure that the tracking application, which has been successfully synced, is turned on before the run to record the distance.
Yeoh reiterated that all runners should not forgo the necessary health protocols as well as precautions during Covid-19 in order to keep safe even though they may be running in the vicinity of their neighbourhood.
He said special memento and merchandise from Brooks and Emico have been released this year to commemorate the first virtual run.
For latest updates on the Penang Bridge International Marathon, visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/penangbridgemarathon
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