THE Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) is aiming to secure the prestigious World Athletics Label Road Race status as part of efforts to elevate the event’s international standing, says state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
Wong said the latest Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between PBIM, Malaysia Athletics (MA) and the Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA) marked a significant step towards achieving the recognition.
“With MA official sanctioning and the joint endorsement of MA and PAAA, PBIM is affirmed as one of the largest and most credible marathon events in the country.
“This MoU unlocks the next target for PBIM, which is the World Athletics Label Road Race status. We already have AIMS certification and recognition as an Abbott World Marathon Majors World Rankings race, and now we are working towards obtaining the World Athletics label,” he said during the MoU signing ceremony at Komtar today.
Wong explained that PBIM is more than a sporting event, describing it as an important tourism product that brings economic benefits to Penang through increased visitor arrivals and spending.
“PBIM is not only a sports event. It is also a tourism event. We want to position it not just in terms of participant numbers, but also in terms of quality, credibility and international recognition,” he said.
He noted that the marathon has continued to grow over the years, attracting runners from Malaysia and abroad.
“Just a few days ago, we announced that registrations had reached 21,000 participants. Over the weekend, the number increased further. With registration still open until Aug 31, we expect more runners to sign up,” he said.
Wong said PBIM already holds certification from the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS), which verifies that its marathon course has been measured according to international standards.
He explained that the race route had to be remeasured when the event was moved from the first Penang Bridge to the Second Bridge.
“We cannot simply change the race course because every route must be officially measured and certified. The marathon distance has to be accurately measured at 42.195km according to international requirements,” he said.
Apart from the AIMS certification, Wong said PBIM has also been recognised as an Abbott World Marathon Majors World Rankings race, allowing runners to earn ranking points recognised by the global marathon series.
He said the next milestone would be securing the World Athletics label, which requires compliance with international standards covering course measurement, medical services, timing systems and race operations.
“The endorsement from MA is not just a stamp of approval. It is also a commitment of expertise and support as we work towards meeting the requirements set by World Athletics,” he said.
According to Wong, obtaining the label would enhance Penang’s profile as a destination for international sporting events.
“It will raise the profile of the state, attract elite runners, international media and travelling runners. It will also benefit our hotels, restaurants and local businesses,” he said.
As part of the MoU, Wong announced that PBIM and the state would support the Malaysia Junior Under-18 athletics selection programme, which will be held annually in Penang.
He said the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to grassroots sports development.
“A world-class marathon must also invest in future athletes. By supporting the Malaysia Junior Under-18 selection programme, we are helping to build a strong pipeline of young runners who may one day compete at higher levels,” he said.
MA acting president Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh said PBIM has evolved into one of Malaysia’s leading road races, promoting healthy lifestyles, sports tourism and Malaysia’s reputation as a destination for international sporting events.
“The partnership will strengthen governance, technical standards and compliance with MA and World Athletics requirements,” he said, adding that MA views road running as a gateway into competitive athletics.
Wan Hisham supports PBIM’s ambition to obtain World Athletics Label Road Race status and will serve as a technical partner by providing guidance and facilitating engagement with World Athletics.
Also present during the press conference were Aspen divisional director Nadiah Wong Abdullah,
Klippa Shopping Centre (Ikea Batu Kawan) deputy commercial manager Jo Saw and PAAA honorary secretary V. Govindasamy.
Story by Edmund Lee