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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