SPORTSWORLD MALAYSIA NEWS 02 SEPTEMBER 2020 EMPTY
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.
The starting point of the virtual run could be anywhere, and the run will be tracked through a running app where runners join in from various destinations provided that they have access to GPS and internet.
The participation for this virtual run is free for all, consisting of three categories – 10km, 21km (half marathon), and 42km (full marathon). Runners have 48 hours to complete the run of their registered categories, starting 12am of 21 Nov and ends 11.59pm of 22 Nov following Malaysia time zone (GMT+8).
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).
Runners are also allowed to join more than one category, as long as they could complete the runs within the 48 hours duration. The registration for PBIM virtual run begins this 1 Oct, and the tracking app which is close to completion now will be available for download next month.
Runners who have registered for PBIM2020 earlier would need to re-register for the virtual run and will receive a bib number. At the same time, 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.
The date for PBIM2021 would be announced January next year once it is confirmed in view of the current Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, visit Penang Bridge International Marathon Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/penangbridgemarathon.
