TWO brand new Perodua Axia worth about RM34,000 each await two lucky runners of the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) on Nov 25.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin and race director Datuk Syed Aidid Syed Murtaza unveiled a sparkling red Perodua Axia for one of the two lucky winners at Autobinee Sdn Bhd in Gelugor today.
The other car will be white in colour, according to Syed Aidid, who himself is the sponsor for both vehicles. He has been sponsoring cars from Honda, Proton and Volkswagen, as lucky prizes for the past several years.
“I want to promote Penang through sports and tourism,” said Syed Aidid, who is also the president of the Penang Amateur Athletics Association.
Yeoh said the event is part of the initiative to encourage healthy sportsmanship among people regardless of race or nationality, especially in Penang as the state works towards enhancing the quality of life.
“Only participants of the full marathon, half marathon and 10km run who completed their race within their respective qualifying time at seven hours (full marathon), 3 hours 45 minutes (half marathon) and two hours (10km) will be eligible for the draw,” Yeoh said.
“This is in line with our effort to motivate runners and ensure a more competitive environment for the participants.
“Penang is working on rebranding PBIM as an international marathon by placing emphasis on quality instead of quantity.
“PBIM is aiming to draw more international runners and sportsmen who are joined by their common love for the sport.”
Over 26,000 runners will be taking part in the PBIM. Cash prizes totalling RM259,200 will be given away to the top 10 winners of each category.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan