To the finish line: The 10km category participants running on the bridge. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The tagline “Great Comeback” couldn’t have been more apt for Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2022 as some 26,000 runners braved the early morning chill to join the race after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Following the success of PBIM 2022, Penang is now eyeing the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) certification for the race.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said PBIM would be rated among the top races in the world should the state be successful in securing the recognition.
“The IAAF label will reflect PBIM’s standards in runners’ experience and safety.
“It’ll also elevate the state’s position as a premier location for marathons in the world,” said Chow, who gave away the prizes to the winners at the finishing point outside Queensbay Mall here yesterday.
This year, the 26,000 runners took part in three categories – full marathon (42km), half-marathon (21km) and 10km run.
Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak flagged off the full marathon event at 1.30am.
Also present were Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, who is also PBIM organising chairman, and Penang Amateur Athletics Association president Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza, who is also the race director.
Yeoh said the bridge marathon has always been the state’s iconic and largest event that attracts runners from around the world.
“Not only does it occupy a unique position in Asia for its iconic status as an event of the Penang Bridge, it has also become a bridge for strengthening ties and friendship of people globally.
“My team and I will always ensure the race is consistently up to the standards of the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races.
“Penang will continue to live up to its status as an international city to welcome travellers from around the world for sports tourism, leisure tourism and business tourism,” he said.
Two grand prize lucky draw winners – electrical contractor Chan Boon Leong, 55, and salesperson Chua Soon Lee, 45 – each drove home a Proton Saga.
