Running Thoughts To Ponder: TRAFFIC

Have you ever run a race that passes through a stretch of road that is almost vehicle-free? That's a rare sight to behold. Well, at least for us running the race. That's what might we think.

But have you ever wondered how road races affect many non-runners lives?

I got a glimpse of that reality when I took part Takbo.Ph's / Reinier Pacific support group for the MILO National Finals.

The group was stationed near the Gil Puyat Ave.(Buendia) / Pasong Tamo crossing. I was trying to check where I can be of help to the support group. And since there was a lot of us who volunteered that day, Que and I tried to control the support group because some of us were blocking the race path already.

literal na nakaharang sa daan

After that, I glanced at the intersection and saw that there was only 1 Police and 1 MILO personnel controlling the traffic. Where were the other MILO peeps in the area? Uhmnnn... nevermind...

So, I tried to help.

That's when I realized that races are not only a hazard to the runners but also a nuisance to the non-running public, especially those who work even on Sundays.

trapik na buhol-buhol, oras mo'y magagahol...

Even the recent QCIM was a traffic nightmare. A co-employee even got her very first late during this race. She has to walk from INC Commonwealth to TriNoma. Talk about bummer.

sing with me!!! all single ladies!!!

Why is it a hazard to the runners?

If vehicular traffic is not properly controlled, this could cause injuries to the runners as they may get bumped by vehicles.

I was a volunteer during the MILO National Finals, but I almost got bumped by a jeepney when I tried to block its path to have a pack of runners pass through that intersection.

Hoy!!! Muntik na ako ha!!! Ninerbiyos tuloy ako!!!

Why is it a nuisance?

It causes traffic problems. It affects all non-running peoples time. It affects businesses.

Imagine... being late for work or an important appointment because a race is being held?

Can this be controlled?

Of course this can be controlled. Organizer should post an advisory about the race at least 7 days before race day. Post traffic advisory daily for 7 days especially on the race route itself. Post traffic advisory for 7 days on newspapers and tabloids. Especially tabloids... as these are being read more by drivers. Put the advisory on the front page or back page, not on some page number, column number and row number. Put it where it can be seen! Easier said than done? Yes, I know. But the organizer should step up and do something about it.

Now, this coming 11.08.2009. It's Philippine International Marathon time. And based on the 42K race route detail, it's going to pass a lot of bridges and major roads. Hopefully, traffic will be controlled.

I don't know if traffic advisory was released... I haven't seen any.