FOR the second consecutive year, the prestigious Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2025 will take place at Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan, on Dec 14.
After drawing 23,000 local and international runners last year, Penang is now aiming to surpass 25,000 participants in this year’s edition.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who announced the event, mentioned that PBIM has long been a cornerstone of the state’s sports tourism calendar.
“The target of 25,000 participants reflects the growing passion for endurance sports, and also Penang’s rising prominence as a global sporting hub.
“PBIM is more than just a race; it is a dynamic platform to showcase Penang’s progress, particularly in Batu Kawan.
“As I have mentioned before, the future of Penang is in Seberang Perai, with Batu Kawan emerging as a vibrant commercial hub.
“Hence, the impact of this event also extends throughout the state, benefiting the hotels, restaurants, and local businesses through the influx of runners,” he said during a media conference in Komtar today.
Chow also praised the state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai for successfully relocating two major events last year. PBIM was moved to Batu Kawan, while the Penang International Dragon Boat Regatta shifted from Teluk Bahang Dam to Straits Quay Marina.
He also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to inclusivity, particularly in empowering women in sports.
“Our commitment to inclusivity goes beyond gender as PBIM took a significant step forward by introducing a special category for visually impaired runners (VIPs) in collaboration with the St Nicholas’ Home and Aspen Group,” he added.
Chow expressed his hopes that more disability-friendly initiatives would be expanded to foster sportsmanship, determination, and unity.
Wong, looking forward to this year’s event, described the marathon as a true test of endurance and reaffirmed its status as one of Penang’s most iconic sporting events.
“PBIM is the longest bridge marathon in Southeast Asia and, without a doubt, one of the toughest races in the region. “The Penang Second Bridge presents a unique challenge with open stretches, strong crosswinds, elevation changes, and the mental test of running through the night.
“This course demands both physical strength and mental resilience, but for those who cross the finish line, the achievement is truly extraordinary,” he said.
As an avid runner himself, Wong also highlighted several new initiatives aimed at improving race logistics.
These include the introduction of ‘Pen Zone’ as runners will now start in different sections based on their estimated finishing time, an expanded Decathlon Resting area, and the same registration fee as last year.
Wong also expressed his gratitude to Aspen, Ikano Centres, and IKEA, which played an instrumental role in making last year’s race a success.
Among those present at the media conference were Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Aspen executive deputy chairman Datuk Seri Nazir Ariff, and Ikano Centres managing director Adrian Mirea.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis