Wearing headphones while racing: Motivating Music or Tuning into Danger?
Although I’m fairly new to racing, (I’ve run in three 5k’s, and one 10k) I’ve been printing off as many entry forms for upcoming races that I can get my hot little hands on. One of the first ones I printed off had some alarming and frightening words printed on it: Headphones Not Allowed!!
Yikes! As a runner who takes her iPod with her at all times, these are some scary rules. In fact, I’ve been known to say the only time I’ll run without music is if someone’s chasing me! Ok, so I have run without music – but very rarely and usually it’s when I have a running buddy. In fact, all three of my 5k’s were run without headphones. The 10k, however, I was jamming out, thankfully, the whole time. In my opinion, 5k’s are short enough not to miss the music too much whereas anything more, more quietness=more of a mental game. For me, the music distracts me from second guessing myself, and gets my in the zone.
However, the facts are more and more race organizations are banning headphones for those participating. Active.com posted an article on the topic, which talks about an instance where a half marathon wouldn’t start until everyone was sans-headphones. A half marathon! That’s running without music for about two hours (give and take.) Some races even go so far as to disqualify those who are wearing headphones.
While I definitely prefer jamming out to tunes while running, I can see the negatives in running a race with headphones:
- It could be rude to others. Obviously when you’re running in a race, you won’t be the only one running. Being able to hear what’s going on around you will help you to be more courteous to your fellow runners by helping not bumping into them, and by being more alert to those passing you.
Ok, I guess I can only see one negative. Unless you count the one that if “you keep listening to that dang music so loud, you’re gonna lose your hearing, girl!” (totally said in a grandma-esque voice)
However, according to the article mentioned above, race directors and USATF have a hard time backing up their reasoning behind a complete ban of the headphones.
Additionally, there’s an awesome little feature on Mp3 players which helps those using them to be able to listen to their tunes and able to hear surrounding noises. The VOLUME button 
What are your thoughts on the topic? Do you feel iPods and mp3 players should be banned from races? Or do you think they are completely safe (and necessary!) when running in a race?
I can see the safety issue. But I'm not really sure where I stand. I don't usually run with headphones because with my large family, running alone and quietly appeals to me!
Thanks for the heads up on the rules though. I'm doing a 5K Saturday and I'll be curious to see what other people do.
I guess I'm okay with them either way, but I can see the safety issue and being able to hear what's going on around you.
I actually have an mp3 player and used it for a while, but then stopped. Now I just run without music. It was weird at first, but I like being alone with my thoughts and being able to hear all the stuff around me (cars, the river, animals, the wind, etc).
Hi Paige,
When running by myself I ALWAYS wear my ipod however in races I NEVER do and I've run 5Ks 10Ks, halfs and full marathons. But for me personally I enjoy all the excitement around me in the races—-from the fans to the runners. I find it exciting and energizing, especially hearing the spectators cheer you on. But running alone I'd never make it w/out the ipod. I don't however think they should be banned I think that's a little much.
For me, the races themselves were exciting enough, even the long ones. I really don't run in races any more, but I still get out almost daily for a walk/run. On those walk/runs, I like to be aware of everything around me including the bumps in the road and the drivers on their cell phones! I can't tell you how many times I have jumped out of the way of unaware drivers. However, on a treadmill or elypictal definitely listen to music, watch t v or read a book. Reading slows me down though, because I concentrate on the plot and characters too much.
Good topic for discussion! I love running with music and have only run without when 1.) my ipod died or 2.) the race banned it. I actually ran my first marathon last October and didn't expect them to enforce the rule so I brought my ipod along and then right before the race started I had to give it back to my boyfriend! I have to say I didn't think I could do it but I am so glad I did. I ended up talking with other runners and I think I may have gotten into more of a "zone" than ever before. I don't think there should be a complete ban though. For the most part races are safe zones to run and traffic is usually blocked off so it's not a hazard. I should probably read more on the issue though. The 10 k I am signed up to run in two weeks has banned them so I am hoping that one goes as well as the marathon did.
Thanks for being my first commenter! I'm stoked!
Volume button?! What is this volume button of which you speak?
I agree, most people tend to have the common sense to turn it down a little when someone could potentially mow them down.
I don't tend to run with music because my ears are too small or weirdly shaped to contain headphones and I get irritated trying to readjust them for 2 hours, but I do love feeling like I'm in my own little world with my moozac.
Good luck with all those entries! How exciting
I've ran about 25 5k and 10k and never used them but run everyday with my ipod. I feel it gets in my way sometimes and I don't want to get mad at it during a race:) I don't really care either way, it should be our choice though, we are the runners!
I found running a bore, but I want to start back up WITH headphones to keep me from losing interest. Disappointing to hear these new rules are getting around. Bummer
i have never seen a race that doesnt allow headphones, but i guess i do see their point. i have never used them in a race b/c ive run both my races with other people. but if i was alone i would HAVE to have my tunes!
I've never raced with headphones but i have definitely considered it (if a friend hadn't switched races at the last minute, I definitely would have brought the ipod along for my most recent half marathon). For people who always run with music, it is a bit of a bummer to have to go without. However, any race I've run hasn't enforced a headphone ban…
I have raced with and without headphones. It's a safety issue, but there is also something to consider for the real competitors. Someone could be running to a ticking clock for pacing, which would be unfair to someone who is not wearing headphones. You will see more 'no headphones' allowed on chip races than more relaxed ones.
I actually like going without, since there is the excitement of being with a bunch of other people versus solo training runs.
I'm not at all a runner but I think I would have trouble running without music. I like to have my headphones when I'm doing any workout. It helps me focus on what I'm doing while not talking myself out of pushing on.
I can see for races that it might be a safety issue.
I love the discussion going on here! Everyone has such great opinions and valid points! I love hearing others' points of view:)
Lori – I didn't even think of that. Good point!
I've gone with and without headphones in races. When I do wear them I keep the volume down. I really don't think they're an advantage though. People with Garmin's can track their pace also.
oh my! i don't run races – and i barely run at all – but when i do i NEED music.
totally late on this one, but I’m catching up on posts! I’m on the no-headphones bandwagon only because both Jamie and I have had some pretty dangerous run ins at races. Both involving almost eating pavement…
I like to think that most people actually use the volume, but really, they don’t. I’ve run past people in races and have definitely been able to ear EXACTLY what they are listening to. It’s not really a matter of rudeness as much as it’s a matter of paying attention to your surroundings and being safe…kinda like the whole cell phone while driving thing. They (and this is being pretty general here – not saying everyone does this, but it’s happened a lot) don’t think to look before shifting from one side to another or they don’t check behind them before stopping or walking. It’s SUPER dangerous. You also can’t hear when other runners say they are passing on the left…and no one likes falling and getting hurt. Not one bit. You wouldn’t drive or bike with both headphones on and music blaring, would you? ;p
That being said, delaying the start of a race because people have headphones is a little extreme – when you have a huge race, not everyone is going to comply with the no headphones rule…there’s no sense in making everyone else stand around. Getting disqualified is a little less extreme, especially when you’ve been warned in advance…but I have yet to see someone actually get pulled over for running with headphones in a race.
OMG. sorry i just wrote a novel! eek!
No problem! No one had a response like yours yet! I like to hear other people’s stories/opinions regarding the topics:) I’m sorry you almost ate pavement! That’s a good point to consider – especially for really big races.