Registrations for the Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2026 have surpassed 21,000 participants, with organisers unveiling the official finisher shirt and medal at a press conference at Komtar.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the finisher items were designed with “premium quality, reliability and quiet, minimalist elegance” in mind. “We want a shirt runners will still want to wear a year from now or long after the race, not just on race day,” Wong told Buletin Mutiara, the Penang state government’s official portal.
The finisher shirt was developed with official apparel partner Brooks Malaysia, while the medal was crafted by Penang-based EMICO. Wong said the medal was created to feel substantial and meaningful, serving as a keepsake rather than simply another race memento.
The 21,000 entries comprise more than 5,000 in the Full Marathon, over 10,500 in the Half Marathon and more than 6,000 in the 10km category. Registration closes on 31 August, and the marathon is scheduled for 13 December on the Second Penang Bridge for the third consecutive year.
Wong said the race is likely to remain on the Second Bridge for the foreseeable future due to the ongoing construction of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit project on Penang Island. According to The Star, this year’s edition targets between 23,000 and 25,000 runners, building on the 23,000 who participated in PBIM 2025.
The Star also reported that PBIM 2026 has introduced new Elite Challenge categories for both the Full and Half Marathon, capped at 500 and 1,000 slots respectively, with stricter qualifying times and cash prizes. The event has received recognition within the Abbott World Marathon Majors framework while maintaining its AIMS certification, making it a double-certified marathon.
IHH Healthcare Malaysia serves as title sponsor for the 10km category, while Aspen Group continues as joint title sponsor for the third consecutive year. Aspen Group managing director Anilarasu Amaranazan said the organisers have consistently raised the bar in promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
