Penang Bridge International Marathon
Race snapshot
Race Day
73–84°F · Feels hot
Total elevation gain
Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft
Participants
Major marathon
Crowd Rating
Excellent spectator turnout
The Lowdown
The Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) -- currently carrying the title sponsorship "Aspen-Klippa" -- is Malaysia's largest mass-participation road race and an AIMS member event, held every December on the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (the Second Penang Bridge), a 24 km sea crossing and one of the longest bridges in Southeast Asia linking the mainland to Penang Island. The event traces back to the original 1982 Penang International Marathon and the later Penang Bridge Run held on the First Penang Bridge from 1986 to 2023; since 2024 it has run on the newer Second Bridge, starting and finishing at ASPEN Vision City Central Park in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan. Four categories run overnight to beat the tropical heat: the Full Marathon (42km) starts at 1:30am, the Half Marathon (21km) around 3:00am, and the IHH PBIM 10km Run around 6:30am, alongside a non-competitive Fun Run; the largely flat course crosses the bridge with a turnaround at Batu Maung on Penang Island, exposing runners to open sea winds, with a 7-hour cutoff for the full marathon. Organized by the Penang State Government's tourism office (formerly PETACH, now PETACE), the race drew roughly 23,000 finishers across all categories in its 2025 edition and is targeting 23,000-25,000 for the 2026 edition. Registration for the December 13, 2026 edition is open now, with regular entry fees of RM150 for the Full Marathon, RM140 for the Half Marathon, RM120 for the 10km, and RM90 for the junior/fun run category.
Questions about the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2026
When is the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2026?
Sunday, December 13, 2026.
What time does the Penang Bridge International Marathon start?
The race starts at 1:30 AM, local time.
What is the Penang Bridge International Marathon time limit?
7 hours.
How do I enter the Penang Bridge International Marathon 2026?
Registration is open. Mar 17, 2026: Registration opens. Ways in: Online registration via penangmarathon.gov.my.
What is the Penang Bridge International Marathon course like?
80 m of total elevation gain. It passes Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (Second Penang Bridge), ASPEN Vision City and Batu Maung.
What is the weather like at the Penang Bridge International Marathon?
Race-day temperatures are usually 23–29 °C (73–84 °F).
Is the Penang Bridge International Marathon a Boston qualifier?
Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.
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