Marathon Details - Penang Bridge International Marathon

International Marathons > Malaysia > Penang > Penang Bridge International Marathon

Penang Bridge International Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K

Penang, Malaysia

December 15, 2024

http://www.penangmarathon.gov.my/portal

More Info:

News

Contact

Name:	Peggy Tan
Address:	Level 53, Komtar, Georgetown Penang 10503 Malaysia
Phone Number:	6016-411 0000
Fax Number:	604-2618744
Email:	Email the organizers



Become a Verified Race, and stand out from the crowd. We feature a blue check next to verified races on our calendar, and feature your race on the Verified Races section of the website.	Get Verified Now



Getting ready for this event? Get a personalized adaptive training plan and 1:1 coach assistance.	Get Your Plan

Reviews

Course 3.5

Organization 3.1

Spectators 2.5

Write a review

Number of comments: 11 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

KC Lim from Singapore (12/20/2015) "interesting experience" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The run started with a good array of fireworks display. Most of the route was not marked, and more than once the conversations with fellow runners were 'how far are we now?'. As I am a slow runner, when I got to the first water station, they were out of water. Luckily I ran with a bottle of water, so it's fine. When I reached the second station, the runners were thirsty and went straight to the water stacks and grabbed bottles of water to go. I helped myself to two bottles too :) This is a mid level challenging course due to the slopes of the bridge, the humid weather, the unmarked course, and the some hiccups with water supply initially. Despite the drawbacks, I actually enjoyed the run. The town is scenic and people are friendly. It has a laid back charm. Drop by for a race if you're nearby and thinking of a relaxing holiday.
M. G. from Detroit, Michigan (12/7/2015) "Fun marathon but improvements are needed" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 After the logistical nightmare of 2014, this year the marathon was back on the First Bridge. Packet pickup at Queensbay Mall is quick. There is no expo. Start at 01:30 is good so you are avoiding the sun, but, the downside is there are no supporters. There was a band on the bridge, and I think I heard music a couple more times. There are no start corrals, and all the pacers start up front. The pacers did not do a good job with finishing in their goal time. No official photographer. Route is a bit boring: you run over major roads and make three turns. Then again, what really can you see anyway in the dark? It is unique to run over the bridge, and hope there will be a breeze, because the humidity makes this a tough run. Plenty of water and food along the route. First water stop at 5k, second at 10k, and thereafter became more frequent. Lots of salonpas and ice available on the route. Distance markers were not obvious. The first one I saw was at 5k and no timing was provided except at the finish line. Shuttle from Komtar was quick and efficient. I heard people had trouble parking at or near Queensbay Mall, so I was happy I used the shuttle, especially because my hotel was just a few blocks from Komtar. If you are in the area on race day, go run it. But don't travel there just for the marathon.
L. S. from Singapore (10/13/2015) "World's Longest Bridge Night Marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The 2014 Inaugural Penang's Second Bridge Marathon was hailed the World's Longest Bridge Marathon & Biggest Running Event in M'sia w 62,000 runners. The Bad Points: It was a monotonous 'U-turn' type of FM in the middle of the night 1.30am that had little street support. There was no timing pens to allow the faster runners first, resulting in obstruction by slower runners at the first 3-4km up slope to the crest of the cable-stayed bridge. Towards the last 10km of the FM, there was again bottleneck with the slower runners of the HM group (who were flagged off later) heading to the same finishing point. Distance markers were also not clearly visible thru most of the run. The Good Points: A lot of support by State Govt with the Chief Minister coming personally half hour earlier with an official marathon song & a keg of fireworks for flag off. Free shuttle buses plied round Penang island & stopped along many hotels to ferry runners to Queensway Mall nearer to the start point, where buses drove runners to the start point. The free pick up after the marathon was smooth & from the finish point, & road closures & opening were orderly. The course was straight, breezy and with good hydration support. There was no shortage of drinks stations, first aid points and at least 4 portable toilet areas along the bridge. The drinks and banana/bread/energy bars stations were frequent and adequate. There were at least two areas where water sprays & cold water sponges were handed out to runners. Overall, an easy & enjoyable run with little distraction. Also once runners sees the multicolored cable stayed bridge again on the return leg, they could sprint the last 3km down slope to end point.
A. R. from Penang, Malaysia (11/16/2014) "My novice assessment" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This is my 2nd 10K marathon, the first being last year's 1st Penang Bridge 10K. I am by no means an experienced runner, but this event was badly handled. 1) Parking was horrendous. Even the free shuttle bus was stuck a good distance from the starting point. 2) The starting point was a mess, different categories crowded together since runners not able to go to the Runners assembly point at Site C. 3)And to those who was in the race, you know what I'm talking about in regards to the U-turn at the 5KM mark. I was queuing in line for 10 minutes to get onto the tracker. 4) They put up orange cones to mark division of traffic when the course merged into a single road. As expected, it was too cramped to run properly. And people ended up taking space from the other flow to queue for the U-turn mentioned above compounding the problem. 5) Traffic management at the end point was horrendous. How did people who just finished the run and waiting to collect their medal can collide with people going the opposite direction. More queues abound. 6) Bad layout of the site when it was over. I had a few people come up to me asking for directions where to go. Signboards were invented for a reason, sadly the organizers did not know about it. Otherwise, the course itself was more challenging compared to the 1st Penang Bridge. The first 3 KM was uphill, back down the hill and flat until the 5KM mark, then back on flats, an uphill then downhill all the way to the finishing line.
M. A. from Penang (11/27/2013) "Low standard for International run" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Penang Bridge International Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 1.Need improvements on ?km indication 2.No water station finishing..depends on sponsor which creates long que. 3.Medical team should not be to near to water station..blocking 4.Still need improvement in organizing such a big event...till meet that standard come on Penang boleh
C. C. from Malaysia (11/17/2013) "HappY Marathon.. Have Fun so much" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Penang Bridge International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the 2nd year join this event. It's has a lot improvement compared with last year. It will be more better if can show out the distance at least every 2-5 km. not only last 5km have keep showing. drinking station try to give drink by paper cup not in bottle. not all the runner can finish all whole bottle water in a time. The water is wasted. See ya on 2014!!!
E. H. from Singapore (12/3/2012) "Race was good but organising was so-so" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Good combination of flat and slopes for the race course. However, 1st hydrating station only at 5km and subsequent at 3km away. There was no sponsor for energy drinks at stations and No signs indicating distance covered. At the end of the race, there was also no supply of drinks when collecting medal. Drinks needed to be purchased which could be added in the registration fee to give after the run like most race I participated. Overall, quite disappointing... Hope next year is better.
M. K. from Singapore (11/28/2011) "A tough course" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The PBIM is a tough course. There are a lot of upslopes especially on the bridge itself. To add to the upslopes, it is very cold on the bridge with a strong wind blowing. The organization is good, however there are two points which certainly need improvement. First there is only a few distance markers along the way. Most runners were at a lost and it is quite common to hear runners asking the volunteers at water stations and checkpoints at what km are they. It is very difficult for runners to pace their run if they don't know at what distance they are. Secondly, water ran out at one of the water stations on the bridge. I think this is unacceptable as hydration is very important for such long distance running event and the organizer should never has allowed such a situation to happen. For spectators, there are hardly any except at the start point & end point. Overall, it is a good race event but definitely not one to aim for a PB.
Kok Wah Tham from Malaysia (11/23/2011) "It is a challenging Race" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Penang Bridge International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The run starts at 2 am . Many runners may not sleep for the whole day. It has a total elevation gain of 410m with starting and ending point at the same spot.The route is straight , you may accidentally overrun your pace. Make sure you finish before 4H30M , otherwise you will stuck in the bottle neck fenomena due to the 10km runners at the last 5 kms. The scenery and the environment is marvelous.
Hanno Stamm from Siem Reap (11/20/2011) "Good race, but the bridge is a killer." (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I thought the organization was excellent, as was the support on the course. Not too many spectators, might have something to do with the 2 am start. I found the bridge and the small hills at the end tough; maybe not a course for a PB.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 > ]

Become an Advertiser

KC Lim from Singapore (12/20/2015) "interesting experience" (about: 2015) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 2 The run started with a good array of fireworks display. Most of the route was not marked, and more than once the conversations with fellow runners were 'how far are we now?'. As I am a slow runner, when I got to the first water station, they were out of water. Luckily I ran with a bottle of water, so it's fine. When I reached the second station, the runners were thirsty and went straight to the water stacks and grabbed bottles of water to go. I helped myself to two bottles too :) This is a mid level challenging course due to the slopes of the bridge, the humid weather, the unmarked course, and the some hiccups with water supply initially. Despite the drawbacks, I actually enjoyed the run. The town is scenic and people are friendly. It has a laid back charm. Drop by for a race if you're nearby and thinking of a relaxing holiday.
M. G. from Detroit, Michigan (12/7/2015) "Fun marathon but improvements are needed" (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 After the logistical nightmare of 2014, this year the marathon was back on the First Bridge. Packet pickup at Queensbay Mall is quick. There is no expo. Start at 01:30 is good so you are avoiding the sun, but, the downside is there are no supporters. There was a band on the bridge, and I think I heard music a couple more times. There are no start corrals, and all the pacers start up front. The pacers did not do a good job with finishing in their goal time. No official photographer. Route is a bit boring: you run over major roads and make three turns. Then again, what really can you see anyway in the dark? It is unique to run over the bridge, and hope there will be a breeze, because the humidity makes this a tough run. Plenty of water and food along the route. First water stop at 5k, second at 10k, and thereafter became more frequent. Lots of salonpas and ice available on the route. Distance markers were not obvious. The first one I saw was at 5k and no timing was provided except at the finish line. Shuttle from Komtar was quick and efficient. I heard people had trouble parking at or near Queensbay Mall, so I was happy I used the shuttle, especially because my hotel was just a few blocks from Komtar. If you are in the area on race day, go run it. But don't travel there just for the marathon.
L. S. from Singapore (10/13/2015) "World's Longest Bridge Night Marathon" (about: 2014) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The 2014 Inaugural Penang's Second Bridge Marathon was hailed the World's Longest Bridge Marathon & Biggest Running Event in M'sia w 62,000 runners. The Bad Points: It was a monotonous 'U-turn' type of FM in the middle of the night 1.30am that had little street support. There was no timing pens to allow the faster runners first, resulting in obstruction by slower runners at the first 3-4km up slope to the crest of the cable-stayed bridge. Towards the last 10km of the FM, there was again bottleneck with the slower runners of the HM group (who were flagged off later) heading to the same finishing point. Distance markers were also not clearly visible thru most of the run. The Good Points: A lot of support by State Govt with the Chief Minister coming personally half hour earlier with an official marathon song & a keg of fireworks for flag off. Free shuttle buses plied round Penang island & stopped along many hotels to ferry runners to Queensway Mall nearer to the start point, where buses drove runners to the start point. The free pick up after the marathon was smooth & from the finish point, & road closures & opening were orderly. The course was straight, breezy and with good hydration support. There was no shortage of drinks stations, first aid points and at least 4 portable toilet areas along the bridge. The drinks and banana/bread/energy bars stations were frequent and adequate. There were at least two areas where water sprays & cold water sponges were handed out to runners. Overall, an easy & enjoyable run with little distraction. Also once runners sees the multicolored cable stayed bridge again on the return leg, they could sprint the last 3km down slope to end point.
A. R. from Penang, Malaysia (11/16/2014) "My novice assessment" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 This is my 2nd 10K marathon, the first being last year's 1st Penang Bridge 10K. I am by no means an experienced runner, but this event was badly handled. 1) Parking was horrendous. Even the free shuttle bus was stuck a good distance from the starting point. 2) The starting point was a mess, different categories crowded together since runners not able to go to the Runners assembly point at Site C. 3)And to those who was in the race, you know what I'm talking about in regards to the U-turn at the 5KM mark. I was queuing in line for 10 minutes to get onto the tracker. 4) They put up orange cones to mark division of traffic when the course merged into a single road. As expected, it was too cramped to run properly. And people ended up taking space from the other flow to queue for the U-turn mentioned above compounding the problem. 5) Traffic management at the end point was horrendous. How did people who just finished the run and waiting to collect their medal can collide with people going the opposite direction. More queues abound. 6) Bad layout of the site when it was over. I had a few people come up to me asking for directions where to go. Signboards were invented for a reason, sadly the organizers did not know about it. Otherwise, the course itself was more challenging compared to the 1st Penang Bridge. The first 3 KM was uphill, back down the hill and flat until the 5KM mark, then back on flats, an uphill then downhill all the way to the finishing line.
M. A. from Penang (11/27/2013) "Low standard for International run" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 6+ Penang Bridge International Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 1 FANS: 1 1.Need improvements on ?km indication 2.No water station finishing..depends on sponsor which creates long que. 3.Medical team should not be to near to water station..blocking 4.Still need improvement in organizing such a big event...till meet that standard come on Penang boleh
C. C. from Malaysia (11/17/2013) "HappY Marathon.. Have Fun so much" (about: 2013) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Penang Bridge International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is the 2nd year join this event. It's has a lot improvement compared with last year. It will be more better if can show out the distance at least every 2-5 km. not only last 5km have keep showing. drinking station try to give drink by paper cup not in bottle. not all the runner can finish all whole bottle water in a time. The water is wasted. See ya on 2014!!!
E. H. from Singapore (12/3/2012) "Race was good but organising was so-so" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 4 Good combination of flat and slopes for the race course. However, 1st hydrating station only at 5km and subsequent at 3km away. There was no sponsor for energy drinks at stations and No signs indicating distance covered. At the end of the race, there was also no supply of drinks when collecting medal. Drinks needed to be purchased which could be added in the registration fee to give after the run like most race I participated. Overall, quite disappointing... Hope next year is better.
M. K. from Singapore (11/28/2011) "A tough course" (about: 2011) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The PBIM is a tough course. There are a lot of upslopes especially on the bridge itself. To add to the upslopes, it is very cold on the bridge with a strong wind blowing. The organization is good, however there are two points which certainly need improvement. First there is only a few distance markers along the way. Most runners were at a lost and it is quite common to hear runners asking the volunteers at water stations and checkpoints at what km are they. It is very difficult for runners to pace their run if they don't know at what distance they are. Secondly, water ran out at one of the water stations on the bridge. I think this is unacceptable as hydration is very important for such long distance running event and the organizer should never has allowed such a situation to happen. For spectators, there are hardly any except at the start point & end point. Overall, it is a good race event but definitely not one to aim for a PB.
Kok Wah Tham from Malaysia (11/23/2011) "It is a challenging Race" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 3 Penang Bridge International Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 The run starts at 2 am . Many runners may not sleep for the whole day. It has a total elevation gain of 410m with starting and ending point at the same spot.The route is straight , you may accidentally overrun your pace. Make sure you finish before 4H30M , otherwise you will stuck in the bottle neck fenomena due to the 10km runners at the last 5 kms. The scenery and the environment is marvelous.
Hanno Stamm from Siem Reap (11/20/2011) "Good race, but the bridge is a killer." (about: 2011) 3 previous marathons \| 1 Penang Bridge International Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I thought the organization was excellent, as was the support on the course. Not too many spectators, might have something to do with the 2 am start. I found the bridge and the small hills at the end tough; maybe not a course for a PB.

Become a better runner

Marathon Details - Penang Bridge International Marathon