Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the 2019 Penang Bridge International Marathon (PBIM), which attracted more than 25,000 runners from Malaysia and 65 other countries, has popularized long-distance running as a fun and open activity for amateur and professional runners in the region.

The PBIM reflects the State motto of "Safer, Cleaner, Greener and Healthier Penang" he said at the closing ceremony in Queensbay. The government has long been an advocate for a healthy living.

Also present were Penang executive councilor for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Heritage (PETACH) Yeoh Soon Hin, honorary consul of Russia Teoh Seng Lee, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) director Jonathan Freddy Bagang and state chief police officer Datuk T. Narenasagaran.

During a press conference, Yeoh said that the overall PBIM from participants was positive.

He said runners ' main concern was whether the PBIM 10 kilometer marathon will return next year.

"The PBIM committee will take this matter into consideration and determine whether the 10 km run will return to future marathon events," he said.

He said factors such as traffic control, increased public facilities, food stalls, and good weather also contributed to the participants ' positive response.