PENANG is stepping up its preparations for the 2025 Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) with plans to enhance participant experience, expand sponsorships, and introduce community festivals that combine running with an aim to promote tourism.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai (PH-Paya Terubong), replying on behalf of Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at the State Legislative Assembly, said improvements to public facilities and traffic management are being prioritised to ensure PBIM remains an internationally recognised event.
PBIM 2024, held for the first time in Batu Kawan, drew more than 22,000 participants from over 60 countries, making it the largest running event. Runners competed across the Full Marathon (4,287), Half Marathon (10,237) and 10km (8,085) categories.
Wong said Batu Kawan was selected as the new venue due to its wider start and finish areas and better logistical support.
The route incorporated the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (Penang Second Bridge), offering runners a fresh and scenic experience.
Pre-event programmes, including the official vest launch, “Road to PBIM” series, sports exhibitions, and community activities, contributed to heightened excitement among participants and the local community.
Wong said the marathon also brought significant economic and social benefits to Seberang Perai.
“Hotels, restaurants, and local businesses around Batu Kawan experienced higher demand, while the event positioned the area as a new international sports tourism destination,” he added.
Following PBIM 2024, eight additional running events were held in Aspen Vision City, further promoting Batu Kawan’s status as a hub for sports and recreational activities.
These include the MILO Breakfast Run, Jabil Run, LEADERland I Am A Leader Run, Rotary Darkness Into Light Run, Penjawat Awam Run, JCI Pearl Run, Shell 5KM Fun Run, and Tian Siang BMW Run.
Wong added that the state government, through his office, continues to expand Penang’s sports tourism ecosystem under the Penang2030 vision, with PBIM serving as the flagship event.
Addressing supplementary questions by Goh Choon Aik (PH-Bukit Tambun) on any revenue garnered from PBIM, Wong compared the running event to the Tokyo Marathon, which proved to be costly.
“For PBIM, we maintain our registration fees at an affordable price every year to ensure the participants are able to join the event,” he said, adding that the event needs to be maintained at an affordable cost.
Story by Edmund Lee