Participants racing across the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge during the marathon last year. — Photo courtesy of instanteventphoto.my
WITH the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 confirmed for Dec 14 in Batu Kawan, runners can now kick-start their preparations with a special pre-run event.
Organised by the Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC), the first pre-run will be held at Central Park, Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan, on June 21 from 6.30am.
State publisher Buletin Mutiara reported that the event was to help participants with their training and build momentum for the main race, while also fostering a sense of community among runners.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said four pre-run sessions would be held at different locations on both the island and mainland, ensuring greater accessibility and convenience for participants from all areas.
“This event is free for everyone, and runners can choose to join either the 5km or 10km categories.
“These sessions are more than just practice runs. They help runners boost their stamina, get familiar with race conditions and adjust to Penang’s weather and routes.
Lim (second from right) encourages participants to join the pre-run events at a media event. With him are (from left) PFSC treasurer Danny Quah Eng Soon, PFSC committee member and Penang Island city councillor Visvenathan Tangavello and Wong. — Buletin Mutiara
“But beyond that, they are about building community spirit and encouraging a healthy lifestyle for people of all ages,” he said at a media conference in Komtar and thanked PFSC and sponsors Aspen and Klippa for supporting the event.
Wong also unveiled the running vest for both men and women for PBIM 2025.
PFSC chairman Lim Choo Hooi said registration for the pre-run event would close once the number of participants reached 1,500.
“We are proud to work with the state government, Aspen and Klippa on this initiative.
“It is our first time hosting such a pre-run, and we hope it brings people together and makes a difference,” Lim said, adding that there would be lucky draw prizes during the event.
For most people, he said the real challenge was not the running itself.
“The hardest part is simply getting out of bed to do it.
“Whether you run fast or slow, what truly matters is showing up,” he said.
