Labella: Running ordinance a boost for Cebu City races

THE author of the country’s only running ordinance is satisfied with the turnout of the law , which took effect last year.

Cebu City Councilor Edgar Labella announced that the ordinance has been proven effective and only quality races have been organized since it was implemented.

“The streets were in order, races were well-organized and there were no fly-by-night organizers,” said Labella.

He added that these are among the positive responses he has been hearing from fellow runners.

The councilor, who is a member for the Cebu Executive Runners Club, came up with the ordinance to make fun runs more manageable.

The regulation called for a one race a day policy in Cebu City and also raised the permit fees for organizers depending on the race distance.

“If there is more than one running event on a single day, the police officers will have a difficult time manning the traffic to ensure the safety of runners,” said Labella.

He said that although the number of races had been reduced, that also meant better safety, sanitation and orderliness.

“It’s always a question of quality. The paramount importance should always be to promote health and safety of the participants,” he said.

He emphasized that with only one run on a given day, there will be enough traffic enforcers deployed that will supervise the race efficiently.

Labella expects the orderly conduct of races to continue this year and added he will also work on creating an additional provision that will include upland barangays in Cebu City since trail runs are gaining popularity.

Labella said trail runs could be a good avenue to promote the hidden beauty of Cebu such as caves, falls and springs.

Labella will also encourage the residents in these areas to join fun runs and also to convince organizers to include these scenic views as part of their route.

He said he will also suggest to CERC to include these areas in the next edition of the Cebu Marathon.