IN a moving display of selflessness and camaraderie, Edmund Lee Tatt Weng, a senior journalist turned assistant information officer, chose to forgo his chance at competing in the annual Penang Bridge International Marathon to assist a fellow runner injured in a road accident earlier on race day.
The incident occurred in the predawn hours on Saturday, just as runners were preparing to gather at the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge for the 42-kilometre marathon, a premier event drawing over 10,000 participants annually and lauded as a highlight of Penang’s sporting and tourism calendar.
Lee, 37, was on his way to the starting line when he noticed his friend and former schoolmate Muhammad Ridhauddin Zabidi – known as Din – had been knocked off his motorcycle near the Juru toll plaza. Din sustained injuries to his fingers, ribs, toes, and multiple bruises.
“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,” Lee told reporters.
Lee accompanied Din to Seberang Jaya Hospital, while another passerby transported Din’s motorcycle. Though he missed the race, Lee expressed satisfaction that his friend received medical attention and was recovering. “It was more important to ensure my friend’s safety than to compete,” he added.
Both men had trained diligently for 12 months in preparation for the marathon, making Lee’s decision all the more poignant. Their friendship dates back to St Xavier’s Institution, one of Malaysia’s oldest missionary schools, where the motto “Labor Omnia Vincit” – work conquers all – has been a guiding principle for them.
Despite the local drama, the marathon proceeded as planned. Kenyan runners dominated the official results in the full 42km category, with Anderon Saitoto Seroi taking the men’s title, followed by Geoffrey Birgen and James Cherutich Tallam. In the women’s race, Eunice Nyawira Muchiri claimed first place, with Rholex Jelimo Kogo second and Alice Muthoni Koigi third.
The Penang Bridge International Marathon is notable for its predawn schedule, designed to reduce traffic congestion and mitigate climate concerns, making it one of the few long-distance races in the region held in the early hours of the morning. The event attracts a wide range of participants, including professional athletes, local enthusiasts, and public figures such as state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, a passionate runner.
Lee’s decision to prioritise friendship over competition has been widely praised as a reminder that acts of humanity and compassion often transcend personal ambition, earning him recognition as an unsung hero of this year’s marathon. - December 14, 2025
