The highly anticipated and largest annual running event in Northern Peninsular Malaysia – ‘Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM)’ makes a great comeback with a physical run after a 2-year hiatus.

PBIM Chairman, YB Yeoh Soon Hin today announced that the 2022’s edition of PBIM will take place on 11 December 2022 at the same venue since its inauguration – the Penang Bridge.

“For the past 2 years, PBIM adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic and turned virtual. While the initiative proved a tremendous success, we are absolutely delighted that the loosening of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) has allowed for the return of a physical marathon,” he said.

Yeoh, who is also the State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy anticipates this premier running event to continue its strong growth momentum and receive commendable participation, adding that the maximum capacity for 2022 is capped at 25,000 runners.

“Participants will once again be able to run through one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic bridges in display of strength and unity that also celebrates Penang’s resilience amid the global pandemic,” he added.

Apart from omitting the 5km fun run for better crowd control, the other race categories remain unchanged, comprising of Full Marathon (42km), Half Marathon (21km) and 10km Run (Open/Junior).

The early bird registration commences today (4 April) until 30 April, applicable for the first 5,000 runners regardless of categories, whichever that comes first.

While commenting about international participation, Yeoh said that foreign runners are welcomed but will be subjected to fulfill immigration clearance criteria(s) and arrival SOPs outlined by the relevant authorities.

“Runners who registered for PBIM 2020 will be automatically registered for PBIM 2022 without any extra charges as a gesture of appreciation for their continuous support,” Yeoh said in a press conference this morning.

Apart from the strong backing by its regular partners, PBIM 2022 also sees new sponsors joining the line-up such as Versa – Malaysia’s leading wealth management mobile application.

Versa Chief Operating Officer Richmond Yau announced that through this partnership, each Malaysian adult runner will receive a sign up bonus of RM20 with promo code VERSAPBIM20 and upon fulfilment of the terms and conditions at versa.com.my.

On a separate note, Yeoh also announced that free courier service of race kits will be provided for all runners residing in Malaysia, including Sabah and Sarawak.

“Although we don’t encourage physical collection of race kits, it will still be available on late November and early December at Queensbay Mall,” he said.

For more details, please visit the PBIM website.

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