FRESH from organising a very successful Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2022 today, Penang will now aim to get recognition from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he understood it was the aspiration of the state Tourism and Creative Economy office (Petace) and its state executive councillor Yeoh Soon Hin for PBIM to be awarded the IAAF label certification, ranking PBIM among the top races in the world.
“The IAAF label will surely signify PBIM standards in runner experience and safety, while also elevating our state’s position as the premier location for marathons in the world,” said Chow, who was present to give away the prizes to the winners.
Earlier in the wee hours of this morning, Chow was alongside Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak when the latter was given the honour to start the full marathon event at 1.30am. Chow was invited to start the half marathon at 3am.
The organisers were beaming with pride that after a two-year hiatus, PBIM 2022 drew about 26,000 participants for the full marathon, half marathon and 10km events.
Chow, who attended the prize-giving ceremony later, highlighted the importance of ensuring the runners’ health and well-being.
“This year, health has been one of our focal points to assure the runners’ well-being is protected.
“The state government is pleased to extend its collaboration with several hospitals including, Island Hospital, Gleneagles Hospital, Sunway Medical Centre and Subang Jaya Medical Centre.
“After two-year hiatus, we need to make sure the PBIM runners are physically capable of running a marathon while minimising the risks of harm.
“To do so, the participants were given professional advice on personal health and various medical forums and running clinics were also held to keep them well-informed,” Chow added.
Meanwhile Yeoh said, this year around 5,500 runners registered for the full marathon, over 10,000 runners registered for the half marathon and 9,000 entered for the 10km run.
He noted that this year’s half marathon category saw the highest participation of runners, surpassing that of the 10km run which would usually see the most number of runners.
“The PBIM not only occupies a unique position in Asia for its iconic attractiveness and representativeness of the Penang Bridge, but it has also become a bridge for strengthening connections and friendships of people from all over the world.
“As the PBIM organising committee chairman, my team and I ensure that our race will be consistently up to the standards of the Association for International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
“Penang will continue to live up to its status as an international city to welcome travellers from all around the world for sports tourism, leisure tourism and business tourism,” Yeoh said.
Two lucky draw prizes, Proton Saga were won by Chua Soon Lee and Chan Boon Leong.
*RESULTS*
*Full Marathon*
*MEN*
*Open*
1. Geoffrey Birgen (Kenya) 2:14:35, 2. Moses Kiptoo Kurgat (Kenya) 2:17:39, 3. James Cherotich Tallam (Kenya) 2:20:55.
*Best Malaysians*
1. Poo Vasanthan Subramaniam (2:37:59), 2.Mohd Helmi Suhaimi (2:42:23), 3.Safree Sabdin (2:51:25).
*WOMEN*
*Open*
1. Peninah Kigen (Kenya) 2:46:07, 2.Sheila Jepkosgei Chesang (Kenya), 2:46:15 3.Edinah Mutahi (Kenya) 2:48:03.
*Best Malaysians*
1. Noor Amelia Musa (3:16:21), 2. Loh Chooi Fern (3:34:38), 3.Siaw Khim Tho (3:35:15).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Alisala Thian