DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Sports Development Division Office (DCSDO) will be implementing stricter regulations for hosting running events around the city.

DCSDO officer-in-charge Mikee Aportadera yesterday said they are planning to come up with tighter measures to ensure the safety of the participants and accountability of the organizers.

“Organizers are to coordinate and secure its proposals such as the Mayor’s Permit with the DCSDO three months prior to hosting their event,” Aportadera said during the weekly Davao Sportswriters Association Forum on Thursday.

“From then, they will also have to coordinate with the City Council and Public Safety and Security Office as it will involve road closures.”

Aportadera also directed run organizers to work hand in hand with these offices, especially in using the newly-opened portion of the coastal road.

“The city is growing so this is badly needed to avoid any untoward incidents and mishaps. Regardless if it’s a hundred or below number of entries they have to coordinate with us. Security and safety is always the main issue,” he added as they gear up for two major running events in the first quarter of the year — the 711 Run Davao leg in February and the BYD Ironman Triathlon 70.3 in March.