From left: Klippa assistant operations manager Ravi Kumar, Aspen Group managing director A. Anilarasu, Supt Zafri, Wong and Petace officer Kyle Choong at the press conference. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
THE upcoming Aspen-Klippa Penang Bridge International Marathon 2024 in Batu Kawan will feature a Run Rev Carnival on the eve of the event.
Artistes such as Shawn Lee, Rabbit Mac, DJ Bink, DJ Tick, Bunkface and 3P are among those making an appearance from 5pm on Dec 14 to 1am the following day.
The carnival will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at 1.20am on Dec 15.
Following this, the full marathon will be flagged off at 1.30am, followed by the half marathon at 3.30am and the 10km run at 6am.Penang tourism and creative economy committee (Petace) chairman Wong Hon Wai said the pre-race day programme was a new concept and a rebranding of the iconic event.
Penang Bridge International Marathon map.
“It will feature activities for runners, families and supporters.
“To showcase Penang’s rich cultural heritage, there will be local performances such as 12 festive drums, Borneo Dance and multicultural dances as well as a performance by Somebody Who.
“Radio deejays Lee Chan Hong and Cassey Soo from 988 along with Khai, Afiq and Awien from Suria will also be there to engage with those present,” he said during a press conference in Komtar.
He said over 22,000 runners comprising 92% locals and 8% foreigners from 63 countries, including Indonesia, China, Singapore, the Philippines and Thailand would be participating this year.
“The half-marathon category recorded the highest number of participants at 42.2%, followed by 10km run (38.7%) and 42km marathon (19.1%).
Penang Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department chief Supt Zafri Zolkapli, who was present, said routes leading to the second Penang bridge or Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, would be closed to traffic during the event.
“The bridge will be closed from 11pm on Dec 14 to 10am on Dec 15.
“The first Penang Bridge will remain open at all times,” he said, adding that there would be dedicated parking spaces at the venue.
He warned participants not to park haphazardly along roads.
For the first time in the event’s history, the marathon − touted as the longest bridge run in South-East Asia − will kick off in Batu Kawan on the mainland and cross the second Penang bridge, before returning.
