MORE than 1,000 runners gathered at City Park and Penang Botanic Gardens for the second leg of Road to Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM), nearly double the turnout from the first session in Batu Kawan.
Held early on a Sunday morning, the training session saw participants winding through some of George Town’s most scenic green spaces, soaking in the crisp air, lush canopy shade and enjoying the camaraderie.
“This isn’t only about getting ready for the marathon.
“Running connects people to Penang in deeper ways,” said state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai after the run.
“The park and garden gave us the ideal setting to showcase how sport, nature and community can thrive together,” added Wong, who is PBIM organising committee chairman.
The run was organised by PBIM and Penang Forward Sports Club, with support from Wong’s office.
The surrounding areas buzzed with post-run activity, as runners and families spilled into nearby coffeeshops, markets, and heritage spots – giving a soft economic boost to the neighbourhoods.
A carnival-like atmosphere lingered throughout the morning, with wellness booths, interactive activities and local volunteers keeping the energy high.
The “Road to PBIM” series will continue with two more legs before the full marathon on Dec 14.
Each session introduces runners to a different part of Penang, offering varied terrain, pacing support, and recovery zones, all designed to encourage consistent training and inclusive participation from seasoned marathoners to first-time runners.
PBIM remains one of South-East Asia’s most anticipated long-distance events, drawing thousands of local and international runners each year. — By R. SEKARAN
