Year: 2020

For immediate release

Sept 29, 2020

 

 

PBIM2020 VIRTUAL RUN REGISTRATION BEGINS THIS OCT 1

 

 

GEORGE TOWN, PENANG – The registration for Penang Bridge International Marathon’s inaugural virtual run begins this Oct 1.

 

The PBIM2020 Virtual Run #PBIMVR #runningagainstCovid19 will be taking place virtually where runners can join in from various destinations around the world through running apps.

 

Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Yeoh Soon Hin, who is also the PBIM chairman, said registration for the run this year is free for all.

 

He said the three categories remains the same with 10km, 21km (Half Marathon) and 42km (Full Marathon). Although there are no race packs or finisher medals, but the participants would be eligible for the e-certificate if they manage to complete the race within the respective qualifying time of 2 hours (10km), 3.5hours (Half Marathon) and 7 hours (Full Marathon).

 

In addition to the three categories, he said PBIM virtual run is also introducing a 5km (Fun Run) for participants aged 12 and above to encourage familial participation, adding that the qualifying time for the 5km fun run is 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is also to encourage and provide a platform for new runners to join PBIM.

 

As per the usual PBIM, he said there is an age limit for participation namely 16 years old and above for the 10km run, while participants must be 18 and above for participation in the Half Marathon (21km) and Full Marathon (42km) categories.

 

Yeoh said the virtual run this year offers a new form of flexibility for runners whereby one runner could participate in all categories, as long as they could complete the runs within the 48 hours duration.

 

In order to allow global runners to complete the challenges, he said the 48 hours starts from 00:00 (12am) of Nov 21 and ends 23:59 (11.59pm) of Nov 22 following Malaysia time zone (GMT+8).

 

“Join us for this unique PBIM virtual run experience. We are thankful that we have many PBIM runners who have stayed with us over the years. This is a way for us to encourage them to continue this year with us, wherever they are as travelling distances will no longer become a limitation.

 

“Instead, this marathon will have a different way to connect with marathoners from different parts of the world all united by the spirit of sportsmanship even amid this pandemic, hence the #PBIMVR #runningagainstCovid19,” said Yeoh.

 

He said there will be various workshops, talks and activities organised virtually to build up the anticipation and excitement for the actual event.

 

However, he reminded that one participant is only allowed to register one time for the same category.

 

He said registration is open for a month until Oct 31 at 11:59pm. That aside, he said runners who have registered for PBIM2020 earlier would need to re-register for the virtual run for the virtual run bib number.

 

He said runners will need to complete their registration and connect one tracking app or GPS wearables to MyVRace by Sport Heroes and ensure that the tracking app, which has been successfully synced, is turned on before the run to record the distance.

 

“More importantly, I would like to remind everyone to stay safe and not forgo the necessary health protocols as well as precautions during Covid-19 in order to keep safe even though you may be running in the vicinity of your neighborhood,” said Yeoh.

 

He said that this year they are releasing special mementos and merchandises from Brooks and Emico to commemorate the first virtual run for this year.

At the same time, he said the registrations of those who have registered for PBIM2020 would be automatically brought forward to PBIM2021.

 

Although there are no refunds, the registrations would be transferable for those who are unable to make it for PBIM2021.

 

He added that date for PBIM2021 would be announced January next year once it is confirmed in view of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

 

Kindly refer to the latest updates in Penang Bridge International Marathon Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/penangbridgemarathon.

 

 

 

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For immediate release

Sept 1, 2020

PENANG BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON TURNS VIRTUAL

GEORGE TOWN – Penang Bridge International Marathon 2020 will be going virtual this year with the hashtag #PBIMVR #runningagainstCovid19 in a global movement against Covid-19 pandemic.

Penang State EXCO for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH) YB Yeoh Soon Hin said PBIM this year offers a different experience conducted through a virtual running app across the world.

“Basically, the starting point could be anywhere, and the run will be tracked through a running app where we can have runners join in from various destinations provided that they have access to GPS and internet.

“Over the years, the marathon has become a platform for the marathoners to connect with runners from all over the world, and this time would be no different.

“We believe that this will be a unique PBIM experience, as travelling distances will no longer become a limitation. Instead, we will see marathoners from different backgrounds and countries running for the same marathon from different parts of the world,” said Yeoh.

He said he has decided to make the participation for this virtual run free for all, so as not to disappoint the many runners who have been supporting Penang marathon for many years now.

“Even though marathons around the country and the world are either cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19, we wish to unify everyone participating in the virtual run a purpose – in solidarity against Covid-19 which is showcased this time through the spirit of sportsmanship.

“Beyond that, it is also a connection with people across the world who is facing a similar situation that we are running to campaign for the importance of safeguarding everyone against Covid-19 in the effort to defeat the pandemic which has taken so many casualties in the world,” he said.

He said the three categories remains the same with 10km, 21km (Half Marathon) and 42km (Full Marathon). There are no race packs or finisher medals, but the participants would be eligible for the e-certificate if they manage to complete the race within the respective qualifying time of 1.5hours, 3.5hours (Half Marathon) and 7 hours (Full Marathon).

He said runners have 48 hours to complete the run of their registered categories, starting 12am of Nov 21 and ends 11.59pm of Nov 22 following Malaysia time zone (GMT+8).

Yeoh said the virtual run also allows runners to join more than one category, as long as they could complete the runs within the 48 hours duration.

Yeoh said registration for PBIM virtual run begins this Oct 1, and the tracking app which is close to completion now will be available for download next month. Those who have registered for PBIM2020 earlier would need to re-register for the virtual run and will receive a bib number.

He said the orange wording for VirtualRun 2020 with the hashtags #PBIMVR and #RUNNINGAGAINSTCOVID19 is also inspired by Penang Goes Orange, which also falls in the month of November, which is a campaign against violence on women.

“Please stay tuned for our app launching soon, which could be downloaded off App Store and Apple Store free of charge.

“More importantly, I would like to remind everyone not to forgo the necessary precautions during Covid-19 in order to keep safe even though you may be running in the vicinity of your neighborhood,” said Yeoh.

At the same time, he said the registrations of those who have registered for PBIM2020 would be automatically brought forward to PBIM2021.

Although there are no refunds, the registrations would be transferable for those who are unable to make it for PBIM2021.

He added that date for PBIM2021 would be announced January next year once it is confirmed in view of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Kindly refer to the latest updates in Penang Bridge International Marathon Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/penangbridgemarathon.

RATIONALE FOR NEW TAGLINE

• To make Penang Bridge International Marathon the Most Anticipated Marathon Event in Asia.
• Penang Bridge International Marathon is without a doubt a unique marathon with almost half the race ran on Penang Bridge.
• PETACH’s vision is to make Penang Bridge International Marathon into a major event in this part of the world (Asia), to attract the world’s best marathon runners to Penang annually.
• With the re-branding, this event is being evolved into “The Asian Challenge” and is poised to become a highlight in the international sports calendar. The focus will be to make Penang Bridge International Marathon into an internationally acknowledged marathon run which would be accredited by Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) and International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) label.
• PETACH’s goal is to bring positive changes and value to the event and raise its brand image to the likes of New York, Boston, London, and Tokyo Marathons.

RATIONALE FOR NEW LOGO

• Refreshed, simple and clear for a powerful message to visualise energy
• The primarily blue composition symbolises the water element, where Penang is poised strategically at the Strait of Malacca. By highlighting the use of waves, it is a symbolic representation of PBIM as one of the unique marathons on bridge run over water.
• The vibrant colours of the ‘marathon’ also mirrors Penang’s identity as a destination for the sea, sun, nature and culture – bringing about a splash of colours for Penang’s unique and vibrant mix of cultures and diversity.
• The facelift is a change accompanied by the evolving branding and identity of PBIM to bring about a special focus and attention to the logo which portrays PBIM’s identity as an international sporting event while celebrating the diverse background of the participants.

For immediate release
March 6, 2020

THE LAUNCHING OF NEW LOGO FOR
PENANG BRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON 2020 (PBIM 2020)

 GEORGETOWN – The much-anticipated Penang Bridge International Marathon 2020 returns with a refreshed brand identity with the launching of its new logo at Queensbay Mall in Penang today.

The new logo reflects the ongoing effort by the Penang State Government through Penang State EXCO for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Office (PETACH) to continuously bring betterment and grow Penang’s iconic marathon.

PBIM is the largest mass-participation sporting event in Penang which has successfully attracted more than 20,000 runners from all over the world to race on the iconic bridge which links both island and mainland.

Penang State EXCO for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage Office (PETACH) YB Yeoh Soon Hin said the refreshed new logo is an initiative aligned with their commitment to attract the world’s best marathon runners to Penang and elevate it into a major event in the region.

Quoting Stephen Hawking who said “intelligence is the ability of change”, Yeoh said to improve, one must always embrace change, and to be perfect, one must constantly be in sync with changes that spearhead growth.

He said Penang Marathon was incepted as a Road Race (Esplanade to Gurney Drive) in the early 1980s, and has since evolved into the iconic Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM).

“We have come far since then, and we want to continue this journey to bring about positive changes for growth and improvement in this event to expand the branding further,” said Yeoh during the unveiling of the new logo today (March 6) ahead of the registration which begins Saturday (March 7).

Yeoh announced that the race, taking place on November 22 this year, comprises three categories namely Full Marathon, Half Marathon and 10km Run.

He also announced that PBIM is continuing with the 10km run this year due to popular demand.

“We have decided to continue with 10km although we have previously announced that last year was the last time for 10km as we have received plenty of requests especially from new runners.

“We do not want to disappoint the new runners who have just entered the running scene and wishes to advance themselves through this platform. Hence, we decide to continue the category on a new route which spans along the coastal road.

“They will not be running on the bridge this year but on the new route as we have promised a better running experience for full and half marathoners this year through an unobstructed and conducive environment,” he said.

He said the re-branding exercise is an ongoing effort to continuously raise Penang Bridge International Marathon to a new level, a new standard, with a bespoke experience for Full Marathon and Half Marathon runners as well.

“We have also incorporated a refreshed route for Half Marathon covering two-thirds of Penang Bridge.

“With these changes, we hope the runners in all three events will have a better experience in their respective categories,” he said.

Details, visit https://www.penangmarathon.gov.my/portal/