What exactly is wrong with wearing headphones while running a marathon? Two things, perhaps. Officials at many races claim that headphones make it harder for runners to hear race instructions or warnings, and that they generally make runners less aware of their surroundings. Most runners don’t want to hear it. In this story, the New York Times reports on the squabble, and on the fact that USA Track & Field, the national governing body for running, this
year banned the use of headphones and portable audio players like iPods
at its official races. What do you think? Click on "Comments" below, and let us know.
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Saturday, May 31, 2025
Garbage! I am a trainer. Music makes exercise so much more intense and fullfilling. I cannot figure it out yet, but there must be money involved in this decision somewhere.
Having never run a marathon, I can’t say I’m an expert about wearing or not wearing headphones as they pertain to race instructions or warnings from officials. But I don’t ride motor cycles either; and I have a strong opinion too about laws pertaining to wearing helmets for safety reasons. My rationale for both issues is the same: If someone is so stupid as to ignore issues about their own safety, I am all in favor of them being allowed to do so. Afterall, relaxing such laws does two very important things: It allows for individuals to be free (no matter how ignorant their choices) and (and this is most important) it provides for a resonable and moral way to cull the terminally stupid from the gene pool. So allow riders to split their heads wide open. And by all means, let runners slam into walls, fall into pits, run into traffic. I applaud their efforts to make the world a better place.
Are you kidding? Running is much slower than being in a motor vehicle. I have done 5 half marathons(with headphones) and never had trouble figuring out where to go. Music inspires and takes your mind off the discomfort you feel while running a marathon. Everything nowadays is so supervised and restrictive. It’s ridiculous. Show some statistics of people who have been hurt or races ruined because of headphone use by the masses.
I have run several half marathons and one full. I am so slow I have never had a “race offical” warn me of anything (although maybe I should have been told how close behind me the sag wagon was. . . ) I can’t see the problem with headphones, as long as people accommodate for the fact that they have cut off their ability to perceive what’s going on around them to some extent. I train with an ipod, but run races without, because I have had the pleasure of striking up a running conversation on several of the longer races that helped me and the other person have a more pleasurable run. But unless you’re sociable like me, as long as you discipline yourself not to make any sudden lateral moves (since you can’t hear someone coming up behind you) rock on!
Headphones during races are a bad idea. Too many people not hearing what is going on around them. I agree with Tom that music is great for training but in any organized event of any size, banning them is a no brainer . . .
Since I am writing this on the SportsGeezer site, it should not be a surprise that I am totally and thoroughly against wearing headphones, not only in a race, but whenever running. I run for the pleasure of running. To feel my muscles working; hear and feel my breathing; and, yes, savor the effort of the run. To me, people who wear headphones miss out on the purity of the run. If you do not run for the joy of running, just go to the club and hop on the elliptical or treadmill where you can wear headphones with all the other “athletes”. As far as wearing them in races, c’mon, that is one of the best things about running in races for those of us who are not elite runners – chatting it up with our fellow runners. If you need to listen to music, or whatever it is you listen to, to get through a run, find another gig!
I don’t run marathons but do ride in bike races. I train with headphones. No doubt about it, music does make the workout more enjoyable and intense. I don’t however, wear them during races. I find the competition from the other racers provides plenty of adrenaline without the music. Should they be banned? No.
I’m late to this discusion, but will still weight in. Saftey is most definetly and issue in large marathons or any large race for that matter. If the runner can still hear and react to the pack then the actual music is not a problem. The issue I think should deal with competitiveness. Are pacing devices, coaching and the like allowed in a sanctioned race. This may sound absurd but if you’re running competitively can placing in your age group; is it fair to have this aid? To me that is the question.
Who cares if you wear headphones during a race. If people care they should get over it. If someone wants to run in a race they can do it how ever they want. They are doing something healthy and it doesn’t involve anyone. Not be able to know your surroundings? Please….you know whats going on with or without music.
I will never run another long distance race again should my country (Canada) ban the use of headphones.
Period.
It will simply cease to be an enjoyable experience for me.
As a novice runner, I do love listening to music when I run. It just helps pass the time. I strongly believe that it is us, the beginners who need the headphones.
Safety issues are bigger when you are an expert runner and need to pass. The competition is greater with more chance of injury/dangerous conditions.
Maybe it should be determined by time. If you think you can finish at a competitive time, then no headphones. If you are a leisure/beginner runner, then you can use headphones (to help you finish).
And what about the deaf? Are they going to start saying, “If you’re deaf, you are not allowed to participate in a Marathon.”
I was looking forward to running my first Marathon this March. If I can’ t wear headphones, I might just have to back out or reconsider.
It should go back to the way it was. Run with headphones at your own risk.
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