Penang: The Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) has strengthened its push towards becoming a world-class event through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia Athletics (MA) and Penang Amateur Athletic Association (PAAA), paving the way towards securing a World Athletics Label.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that the partnership would provide PBIM with the technical guidance, endorsement, and support needed to elevate the event to a higher international standard while also bolstering the state's junior athletics development. He emphasized that with MA's official sanctioning and the joint endorsement of MA and the PAAA, PBIM is recognized as one of the largest and most credible marathon events in the country. Wong added that this year's edition has already attracted over 22,000 registered runners.
Wong, who also serves as the PBIM organizing chairman, signed the MoU on behalf of PBIM. Representing MA was its acting president, Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh, and PAAA was represented by its secretary, V. Govindasamy. The World Athletics Label is a prestigious designation granted by World Athletics to leading global road races, such as marathons and 10-kilometre runs.
Wong highlighted that achieving World Athletics Label Race status would not only enhance PBIM's international reputation but also bolster Penang's tourism profile by attracting elite athletes, international media, and traveling runners. This, in turn, would generate economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses.
Meanwhile, Wan Hisham stated that the MoU represented a mutual commitment to strengthen athletics development in Malaysia through the organization of world-class road running events. This initiative would also create opportunities to identify and nurture the next generation of Malaysian athletes. He noted that the MoU would strengthen the relationship between the event organizer, the national governing body, and the state athletics association, enabling each party to fulfill its role in a more structured and effective manner.