PREMIUM quality, reliability and quiet, minimalist elegance were the guiding principles behind the design of the official finisher shirt and medal for the upcoming Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2026.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the organisers had taken the designs of these two items seriously when he officiated their unveiling at a press conference at Komtar today.
He said the aim was not to follow passing trends, but to create something clean, timeless and meaningful.
“We want a shirt runners will still want to wear a year from now or long after the race, not just on race day,” Wong said.
“We couldn’t have done that without Brooks Malaysia, our official apparel partner. Brooks understands performance wear better than almost anyone in the business, and it shows in what we’ve put together this year.”
Wong said the finisher medal was designed with the same philosophy in mind, crediting Penang-based EMICO for bringing the concept to life. This year’s medal was created to feel substantial and meaningful the moment it is placed around a finisher’s neck, serving as a keepsake that runners will be proud to display rather than simply another race memento.
“Every finisher shirt and medal represents months of training, discipline and sacrifice behind each participant’s achievement, regardless of the category,” he said.
Several models, many of whom are runners themselves, showcased the finisher shirts to members of the press at the end of the press conference.
During the event, Wong also announced that registrations for PBIM 2026 have surpassed 21,000 participants, comprising more than 5,000 in the Full Marathon, over 10,500 in the Half Marathon and more than 6,000 in the 10km category. Registration will close on Aug 31, and the marathon is scheduled for Dec 13.
Wong said the race will be held on the Second Penang Bridge for the third consecutive year and is likely to remain there for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project on Penang Island.
He also highlighted IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s role as the title sponsor for the 10km category, noting that the partnership underscores the importance of health and wellness.
Aspen Group managing director Anilarasu Amaranazan said the company was proud to continue as the joint title sponsor for the third consecutive year, adding that the organisers have consistently raised the bar in promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
Also present at the press conference were Klippa (Ikano Centres) representative Jo Saw, IHH Healthcare Malaysia head of marketing Khairul Annuar Yusof, Brooks Malaysia managing director Tiew Cheng Tai, and EMICO managing director Francis Lim.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Sarbeyshwaran Rajalingam