Lapid seeks probe on safety standards in fun runs, marathons, etc.

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid has filed a resolution seeking for an inquiry into the safety standards and practices in the country’s fun runs, marathons, triathlons, and similar multi-distance sporting events.

In Senate Resolution 794 filed recently, Lapid said running is a sport that has become a craze in the country in recent years, and as such there is a boom in running and multi-distance sporting events such as fun runs, marathons, triathlons, etc.

“Due to swelling number of people who are into running, we are confronted with possible surge of profiteering sporting events that has no regard for our runners’ and sports enthusiasts’ safety,” he said.

“Participants in running and multi-distance events often complain of lack of adequate water stations which should be a vital concern in such events as runners should be well hydrated especially in a very humid climate like ours,” the senator added.

Other complaints, he said, include lack of portable toilets, absence of marshals to direct and guide runners, proper route markers, and the absence of paramedics or medical staff on stand-by.

“In some cases runners dart the course along with raging vehicles which lead them to think if organizers have secured the necessary permits or if they have coordinated the event with the proper authorities,” Lapid said.

He said while these running and multi-distance sporting events serve as platform to encourage our people's interest in sports, it is imperative that we ensure the safety and well-being of our runners and sports enthusiasts.

“There is a need to review the policies and standards being implemented by entities concerned in the organization of running and multi-distance sporting events with the end in view of ensuring a safe and healthy experience for our runners and sports enthusiasts,” Lapid said.

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