IN a spectacle that blended athleticism with community spirit, the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2023 unfolded this weekend, leaving indelible imprints on both the pavement and the hearts of participants.
Some 90 minutes passed midnight, a sea of determined faces who took part in the full marathon events were flagged off at the starting line at Queensbay Mall.
Their journey tested their physical limits and forge lasting connections within the community.
The half marathon and 10km runners were flagged off at 3am and 6.30am today, respectively.
The event was not without its share of records, as elite runners vied for supremacy.
Marking a historic moment for the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2023, Kenyan Anderson Saitoti Seroi clinched victory as the fastest runner for the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2023, with a record of 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 43 seconds (2:18:43).
Anderson won the Full Marathon (Men) earning him RM25,000. His compatriot John Nzau Mwangangi grabbed second with a record of 2:19:28 while Muthoni Bernard, also from Kenya, won third with a record of 2:20:10.
John took home RM12,000 while Muthoni bagged RM8,000.
Not to be outdone, the Full Marathon (Women) witnessed an equally spectacular clean sweep led by the Kenyan trio of Truphena Chepchirchir (2:44:41), Nyaingiri Florence (2:48:46), and Monica Watetu Ndiritu (2:58:48).
Meanwhile, husband and wife Nik Fakaruddin Ismail and Noor Amelia Musa have again won the Best Malaysian Full Marathon, Men and Women categories.
The couple took home RM5,000 each.
Noor Amelia said that running was a fun thing they do together and they kept each other motivated to achieve new goals.
Nik Fakaruddin clocked 2:43:57 while Noor Amelia recorded 3:14:36.
As for the lucky draws, mechanical designer Redzman Ridzuan, 24, was elated when his number was drawn, winning him a Perodua Axia.
“I also took part in this marathon event last year and the winning lucky draw number and my bib number narrowly missed each other by a small margin.
“I am so happy that I won the grand prize this year,” the Penangite said.
Meanwhile, another runner Hideki Tokai, won a Penang-Port Klang-Penang cruise ticket and 42-year-old Chan Wai Leong brought home an e-motorcycle.
Chan said he felt that this year’s run would be extra special when his bib number was similar to part of his mobile number.
“But I did not expect that it would also win me an e-motorcycle!
“This is an amazin gift to look forward to a great new year,” he said.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai encouraged the participants to embrace the challenge and strive for self-improvement.
“I welcome you to push the boundaries. If you took part in the 10km category this year, challenge yourself to take up the half marathon.
“For those in the half marathon, consider the full marathon. And for those who are already in the full marathon, elevate your personal achievements!” Wong said in his speech during the prize presentation ceremony at Queensbay Mall today.
He also shared a personal note with the participants.
“Last year, I was privileged to partake in the Penang Bridge International Marathon’s full marathon.
“The unparalleled sense of accomplishment upon crossing the finish line still resonates.
“Congratulations to all today’s full marathon finishers! Your journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of perseverance,” he said.
Also present was Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, and Penang Amateur Athletics Association (PAAA) president Datuk Syed Mohamad Aidid Syed Murtaza.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siew Chia En
