00:00The Aspen Clipper Penang Bridge International Marathon, PBIM, 2024 made history by hosting
00:07its first-ever event on mainland Penang, a move that garnered widespread approval from
00:12participants.
00:13Runners praised Aspen Vision City in Batu Kawan as a practical starting point due to
00:17its proximity to the Sultan Abdul Halim Muazzam Shah Bridge, the second Penang bridge, and
00:22its capacity to accommodate over 22,000 participants and spectators from 65 countries.
00:28Penang Chief Minister Chow Kwon Yew, who flagged off the marathon events on Sunday, said the
00:33shift to mainland Penang aligns with the state's focus on developing the Batu Kawan area, a
00:39hub for growth, investment and tourism.
00:42Many runners described the experience of running on the iconic second Penang bridge as refreshing
00:46and memorable.
00:48Touted as Southeast Asia's longest bridge run, the PBIM 2024 marked a symbolic shift
00:55in promoting inclusive development across Penang.
00:58The marathon featured three categories, the Full Marathon 42km, Half Marathon 21km and
01:0510km run.
01:08Participation included more than 4,200 runners in the Full Marathon, close to 9,300 in the
01:13Half Marathon and over 8,500 in the 10km categories.
01:19Kenyan runners Moses Mbugwa Gaikarira and Rita Jeptu Busineh dominated the Full Marathon,
01:26winning the men's and women's titles.
01:2937-year-old Gaikarira clocked 2 hours 18 minutes and 34 seconds and called the experience memorable,
01:36as it marked his first race in the region after years of competing in Europe.
01:40Busineh, aged 36, described her victory as the best Christmas gift for her family.
01:46In the Best Malaysian Full Marathon categories, Muhammad Haziq Hamzah, with a time of 2 hours
01:5146 minutes and 19 seconds, took the men's title, marking his ninth marathon this year.
01:5743-year-old Tiffany Lee won the women's category and highlighted that age is no barrier to
02:03success.
02:04The runners, of course, I hope you have enjoyed the race and you will come back again.
02:13Your dedication and passion have made this event a resounding success and I would like
02:21to take this opportunity to thank every one of you.
02:27It is your enthusiasm and commitment that truly bring this event to life.
02:35The two-day event offered more than just races, featuring cultural performances, musical acts
02:41and a fireworks display.
02:44Prizes for lucky winners included two cars and three motorcycles.
02:49Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee Chairman Wong Hon Wai described the marathon
02:53as especially meaningful, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the Second Penang
02:57Bridge.
02:59He emphasised rebranding the event with new venues and programmes to keep it fresh and
03:04exciting, ensuring its place as a premier sporting event.
03:09The marathon concluded with an exhilarating celebration, solidifying its status as a highlight
03:14on Penang's sporting calendar.
