AVID runner Muhammad Ridhauddin Zabidi, 37, was en route from Tanjung Tokong to compete in the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 at Batu Kawan when his plans took an unfortunate turn early this morning.
While approaching the Juru toll plaza at about 2.20am, he was knocked off his motorcycle by a motorist and was rushed to the hospital instead.
Known as Din to his friends, he suffered a suspected fractured finger, injuries to his ribs and toes, as well as bruises to other parts of his body.
Unaware of the accident, his friend and Buletin Mutiara journalist Edmund Lee Tatt Weng continued riding ahead. However, after travelling some distance and realising Din was no longer behind him, Edmund turned back to look for his friend.
“When I saw him sitting by the roadside in pain, I immediately called for an ambulance. Despite his injuries, my friend kept urging me to continue my journey and take part in the race.
“How could I? I had no heart to race knowing he needed help,” Edmund said.
Edmund accompanied Din in the ambulance to Seberang Jaya Hospital, while a passerby kindly rode Edmund’s motorcycle to the hospital.
Both Edmund, who is married with one child, and Din, married with two children, are former classmates from St Xavier’s Institution. Din, who works in a logistics company, had been looking forward to competing in his first half-marathon (21km), while Edmund was aiming to break his personal best in the same category.
“We’ve kept in touch over the years. We both share a passion for running,” said Edmund, who later returned home to Bandar Baru Air Itam, better known as Farlim, on Penang Island – knowing he would miss the 3am race start.
Months of sweat and preparation can be undone in a moment. Yet, in choosing friendship over personal glory, Edmund embodied the true spirit of companionship — a reminder that this, above all, is what friends are for.
Story by K.H. Ong