FIRST-hand experience as a runner has helped shape efforts to enhance the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM), with insights gained from local and international races contributing to improvements in event organisation, participant experience and route planning.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, 53, who is also PBIM chairman, said his running journey began during his primary school days before being rediscovered during the Covid-19 pandemic, eventually leading him to complete a full marathon and numerous half marathons.
“Running gives you a different perspective. As a participant, you experience the race the same way everyone else does, from the course conditions and water stations to safety arrangements and event management.
“By joining races in different places, we can learn what works well and what can be improved, and apply those lessons to PBIM,” he said in an interview with Buletin Mutiara recently.
Wong said he represented SJK (C) Kong Min Pusat in Air Itam in athletics while in primary days, competing in the 100m sprint and 4x100m relay.
He also won a gold medal in an MSSPP athletics meet at City Stadium, representing his school in the Air Itam zone.
However, it was during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 that he returned to running after many years away from the sport.
Starting with brisk walks and short runs at Taman Kejiranan Ru in Air Itam, Wong gradually built up his endurance before completing 21km in a single session after several months of training.
The achievement encouraged him to participate in various races, beginning with the Rawang Bypass Run in 2022, his first official half marathon.
“At the age of 49 back then, I decided that if I wanted to complete a full marathon, I should do it before turning 50.
“Some runners discouraged me because I had limited experience, but I trusted my training and successfully completed my first full marathon at PBIM in 2022,” he said beamingly.
Since becoming PBIM chairman in 2023, Wong has taken part in various races across Malaysia and overseas, including events in Kuala Lumpur, Taiping, Songkhla, Hong Kong and Vietnam, to benchmark best practices and identify areas for improvement.
He mentioned that participation in a cycling event across the Second Penang Bridge inspired the idea of introducing the bridge into PBIM.
“At that time, most people associated PBIM with the first bridge. After experiencing the Second Penang Bridge myself, I realised it could offer runners a unique experience and a different challenge.
“That experience contributed to the decision to introduce the Second Penang Bridge route, which has since become one of the highlights of the event,” he said.
Wong said running had also influenced his family, with his younger son, now 18, having completed several half marathons.
“I never forced him to run. He became interested after seeing me enjoy the sport and stay committed to it over the years.
“That is one of the most rewarding aspects of running, which is being able to inspire others through example,” he said.
To date, Wong has completed one full marathon and 11 half marathons.
He said the state is also working towards greater international recognition for PBIM by aligning the event with global standards and attracting more foreign participants.
“We continuously learn from races around the world. The objective is to improve PBIM and ensure it meets international expectations while providing a memorable experience for runners.
“Running is not just about fitness. It teaches discipline, perseverance and resilience. As long as I am physically able, I will continue running and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and courtesy of YB Wong