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.