The third session of the “Run for PBIM 2025” training program was successfully held on the morning of Sunday, 12 October 2025, drawing more than 1,000 enthusiastic runners to Stadium Bandaraya Pulau Pinang.
This special session was also held in conjunction with Hari Sukan Negara, reinforcing the national agenda of promoting active, healthy lifestyles through sports.
This event marked a historic milestone as it was the first time the stadium opened its gates for morning running training, offering a fresh and invigorating experience for Penang’s running community. The iconic venue provided not only a symbolic backdrop but also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to encouraging fitness, community spirit, and the activation of public spaces for wellness initiatives.
Organised by the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) in collaboration with Penang Forward Sports Club, and supported by the Penang State EXCO Office for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), the session was made possible through partnerships with Aspen Group, Klippa Shopping Centre, IKEA Batu Kawan, Brooks, and Shokz.
The “Run for PBIM 2025” initiative consists of four progressive sessions designed to prepare runners for the main PBIM event in December: Session 1 (21 June) – Central Park, Aspen Vision City, Batu Kawan, Session 2 (3 August) – Penang Youth Park, Session 3 (12 October) – Stadium Bandaraya Pulau Pinang and Session 4: Running Clinic (13 December) – Aspen Vision City, Batu Kawan
Each session is curated to offer participants a blend of training intensity, expert guidance, and community motivation, ultimately leading them toward peak performance for race day.
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy and Chairman of the PBIM Organising Committee, highlighted how the growing momentum of the “Road to PBIM” series continues to elevate Penang’s reputation as a leading sports tourism destination in Southeast Asia.
“This growing enthusiasm reflects the strength of Penang’s active lifestyle culture. We are not only preparing runners for race day — we are weaving sports into the fabric of our tourism narrative,” Wong said.
He further elaborated on the long-term vision for PBIM: “Each of these pre-race sessions is a chapter in the story of PBIM 2025 — a story that invites repeat visits, diverse exploration, and deeper connections with Penang’s people and places.”
The final leg of the training series will take place on 13 December 2025 at Aspen Vision City, Batu Kawan, in the form of a comprehensive Running Clinic. This session will feature varied terrains, pacing support, and designated recovery zones — continuing Penang’s dedication to inclusive and holistic sports tourism.
PBIM remains one of Penang’s most anticipated annual events, drawing thousands of runners from both Malaysia and abroad. This year, PBIM 2025 has already recorded more than 22,178 registrations, surpassing last year’s total of 21,325.
- Full Marathon: 4,228 runners
- Half Marathon: 10,034 runners
- (Both categories have shown an increase compared to 2024)
This surge is largely driven by a notable shift in participation trends, with many former 10KM runners now advancing to the half and full marathon categories. Through consistent training support and a strong sense of community, runners are gaining confidence and pushing their limits — a testament to the effectiveness of PBIM’s training ecosystem.
Initiatives like “Run for PBIM” not only serve as physical preparation but also foster personal growth, discipline, and a deeper passion for endurance sports. The increasing transition of runners to longer distances highlights the maturity and evolution of Penang’s running community — and underscores PBIM’s pivotal role in shaping a culture of wellness and resilience.
“I extend my deepest appreciation to all organisers, volunteers, partners, and participants who contributed to the success of this session,” Wong concluded. “We now look ahead to the final training event and the PBIM 2025 main race — both shining examples of Penang’s ability to unite community wellness with economic and tourism growth.”