THE unveiling of the finisher t-shirt and medal design of the much-anticipated marathon event, the Aspen Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025, took place in Komtar today.
Happening for the second consecutive year in Batu Kawan, the annual running affair is set to take place on Dec 14.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the unveiling was more than just a showcase of merchandise.
“This is not just an unveiling of merchandise, but it is the unveiling of symbols that represent sweat, determination, and achievement.
“Every finisher t-shirt is a badge of honour, and every medal tells a story,” he said during a press conference in Komtar today.
PBIM remains one of the most anticipated events on Penang’s sports tourism calendar, drawing tens of thousands of local and international participants annually.
In 2024, the event attracted over 23,000 runners, generating a significant economic impact for the state through hotel bookings, tourism spending, and digital reach.
Wong noted that PBIM is one of the most significant sports tourism events in the calendar, and one of the most impactful platforms for Penang’s global branding.
Participants in all categories, namely, Full Marathon (42.195km), Half Marathon (21.1km), and 10km, will receive the exclusive new finisher t-shirt and a specially-designed finisher medal.
The race route stretches across the Penang Second Bridge, officially known as the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge, spanning 24 kilometres. It remains the longest bridge run in Southeast Asia, offering runners a unique and scenic experience.
This year, PBIM is also ramping up its Run for PBIM 2025 training series to help runners prepare.
The first session, held last month at Aspen Vision Central Park, saw 1,300 runners taking part. The next running clinics will be held at Youth Park on Aug 3, with 1,800 runners already registered. Two additional sessions will be announced in due course.
“We hope these sessions will not only help our runners prepare physically, but also create a stronger sense of camaraderie and anticipation leading up to the big day,” Wong added.
Wong acknowledged that the t-shirt, developed with official apparel sponsor Brooks, and the medal, crafted by medal partner EMICO, reflect both performance and symbolism.
“The medal will be the same across all three categories, uniting participants under the banner of a PBIM 2025 finisher,” he said, adding that the medal design features both genders, as part of gender equality.
Wong also extended his appreciation to event sponsors, including Aspen Group, Klippa Shopping Centre, IKEA, Brooks, and EMICO, for supporting the event’s vision.
He urged the public to register early at www.penangmarathon.gov.my as slots are filling up fast.
Among those present during the press conference were Aspen’s chief finance officer Lim Soo Aun, Penang Forward Sports Club representative Alvin Lee, and Brooks managing director Teow Cheng Tai.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi