10km race dropped from Penang Bridge marathon next year
GEORGE TOWN: There will be no more 10km race in the Penang Bridge International Marathon next year as part of its rebranding exercise.
From 2020 onwards, the event will only have the full and half marathon covering 42km and 21km.
Penang Tourism Development, Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said the move was to enable serious marathon runners to explore their potential in the race without being disrupted by those competing for the fun of it.
“This is also in line with ongoing efforts to rebrand the annual event to attract more international participants,” he told reporters here last week.
The event’s project manager Grace Teoh said Penang was aiming to get recognition from the International Association of Athletics Fede- rations (IAAF) and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS).
“AIMS has endorsed the marathon but we have not received any of its accreditation yet.
“We are planning to invite officials from AIMS to come and evaluate our event next year to see if we meet its standards and requirements.
“With recognition from renown- ed bodies, we will be able to produce better running quality and provide better services and facilities, ”she said.
Yeoh said this year’s Penang Bridge International Marathon, which would be held on Nov 24, is now open for registration.
“Last year, the event attracted 25,000 participants from over 80 countries. This year, we are targeting 33,000 participants, including the 10km category.
“The early bird registration is now open until March 31 and limited to 6,500 participants, whichever comes first ,” he said.
Registration fees vary according to the four stages – Early Bird (from March 1 to March 31), Stage One (April 1 to May 31), Stage Two (June 1 to July 31) and Late Bird (Aug 1 to Aug 15).
For registration and more information, check out the event’s official website at www.penangmarathon.gov.my or email to info@ penangmarathon.gov.my.
This is in line with ongoing efforts to rebrand the annual event to attract more international participants.
Yeoh Soon Hin