GEORGE TOWN: It was a great day for Kenya here today, as runners from the African nation dominated the Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM) 2018 in both the men’s and women’s full marathon (42km) categories.
James Cherutich Tallam clocked two hours and 24 minutes in the open men’s category; while Peninah Kigen finished in two hours and 46 minutes in the open women’s category.
It was déjà vu for Tallam, 31, who won in the same category in 2016.
“I did not expect to win the race, especially in the final 4km, due to the bad weather.
“However, I am grateful for this victory. I will use the cash money for my children’s education back home,” he said when met after the prize giving ceremony.
Tallam, a professional athlete, took home RM22,000 in cash and a trophy.
The prize was presented by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas.
Meanwhile, a Penangite emerged tops in the Malaysian women’s full marathon category.
Accountant Loh Chooi Fern, 26, clocked three hours and 17 minutes and took home RM22,000 in cash and a trophy.
“This is my third victory in the same category in the PBIM.
“This is also my best personal time since I first took part three years ago,” she said.
10km run cancelled
Despite the grand finish, the PBIM suffered a setback when, for the first time in its history, organisers were forced to cancel the 10km run, scheduled to commence at 6.30am, due to heavy rain and lightning.
"We know the participants were eager to take part in the run, but our concern is their safety.
"This is the first time in the history of the state government-run event that we have had to cancel the run. (But) it is normal procedure (for when the weather is inclement)," PBIM 2018 organising chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said.
Yeoh, who is also state Tourism Committee chairman, said it was not possible to postpone the 10km run, as the Penang Bridge needed to be opened to vehicular traffic by 10am.
Some 12,000 participants in the 10km race were devastated when they were told at 6am that the run was cancelled.
As consolation, all participants were given finishers’ medals.
The full (42km) and half (21km) marathons had kicked off as planned at 1.30am and 3am respectively.
PBIM 2018 offered RM259,200 in prizes and attracted 26,000 runners from across the globe.
Held since 1984, the PBIM is an annual event in the state government’s calendar.