GEORGE TOWN, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- 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.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the partnership would provide PBIM with the technical guidance, endorsement and support needed to raise the event to a higher international standard, while also strengthening the state's junior athletics development.
“With MA's official sanctioning and the joint endorsement of MA and the PAAA, PBIM is affirmed as one of the largest and most credible marathon events in the country.
“What this MoU now unlocks is the next and, arguably, the biggest milestone ahead - the World Athletics Label Race status - together with MA’s guidance and support,” he said at the MoU signing ceremony in Komtar here today, adding that this year's edition has attracted over 22,000 registered runners.
Wong, who is also the PBIM organising chairman, signed the MoU on behalf of PBIM, while MA was represented by its acting president, Datuk Wan Hisham Wan Salleh, and PAAA by its secretary, V. Govindasamy.
A World Athletics Label is a prestigious designation given by World Athletics to leading global road races, such as marathons and 10-kilometre runs.
Wong said that attaining World Athletics Label Race status would not only enhance PBIM’s international standing but also strengthen Penang’s tourism profile by attracting elite athletes, international media and travelling runners, thus generating economic spillovers for hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related businesses.
Meanwhile, Wan Hisham said the MoU represented a shared commitment to strengthen athletics development in Malaysia through the organisation of world-class road running events while creating opportunities to identify and nurture the next generation of Malaysian athletes.
“Through this MoU, we are strengthening the relationship between the event organiser, the national governing body and the state athletics association, enabling each party to play its respective role in a more structured and effective manner," he said.
-- BERNAMA