GEORGE TOWN – Up to 25,000 runners are expected to sign up for the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) this December 11, as the state gears up to host its first physical marathon on the iconic bridge in two years.
Penang Sports and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said today that the state expects a good response to this year’s race, after having to switch to a virtual format for the past two years due to physical movement curbs imposed by the government to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“While the (virtual) initiative proved a tremendous success, we are absolutely delighted that the loosening of the standard operating procedures has allowed for the return of a physical marathon,” he said at a news conference.
This year’s race will be limited to three distances – the 42km full marathon, 21km half-marathon, and 10km run – for the open and junior categories. The 5km run will not be included this year to ensure better crowd control, Yeoh said.
Yeoh said the participation of foreign runners will be subject to clearance by the Immigration Department.
“I am certain that the pandemic has given birth to new and upcoming runners, and these aspiring runners coupled with our existing loyal racers will make PBIM 2022 a great success.”
Yeoh said runners who signed up for PBIM 2020 will be automatically registered for this year’s race.
Early bird registration opens today till April 30 for the first 5,000 runners on a first-come-first-serve basis. – The Vibes, April 4, 2022
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