Should Marathons Ban iPods?

Fri Nov 2, 2007 12:24AM EDT

See Comments (43)

Does your music motivate you during long runs? What if you were told you couldn't use an iPod during a marathon? That's basically what the USA Track & Field, the national governing body for running, is telling marathon runners this year. According to the New York Times, the organization has banned the use of headphones and iPods at official races because they "prevent runners from having a competitive edge," and to ensure safety.

I understand the safety concern, but how does it prevent a competitive edge? It seems those who cheer the ban prefer to concentrate on their bodies and their competitors, and those who oppose it say it's outright stupid. Jennifer Lamkins, a teacher from Long Beach, Calif., wonders if this means they'll start to disqualify deaf people too because they can't hear directions either.

Fortunately for them, some marathon organizers don't plan on enforcing this rule, basically because they don't know how. I mean, how do you police 20,000 runners? Since today's marathon runners are average folks, some also feel this could alienate them in the future. There's also the issue of small iPods that can be hidden inside shirts, shorts, or under baseball caps.

Good luck with this rule. I personally need my motivational playlist, because running without it would discourage me from running at all. Even the military needs cadence for a little motivation.

What do you think? Should iPods be banned at marathons? Let me know in the comments.

Comments on Should Marathons Ban iPods?

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  • 1 Posted by pr24nx on Fri Nov 2, 2007 4:16AM EDT Report Abuse

    The next thing they would ban would be what type of eye wear, or running shorts you could wear... the point is, that you no more have an edge over the next runner, unless you can prove that there is some physiological advantage to having music pumped into your body. The Track and Field Organizations need to focus on chemical enhancement of the body and stay out of audio stimulation. Besides, how else could I listen to my DI screaming at me around 05:00 in the morning? Once a Marine, always a Marine!

  • 2 Posted by jaysleonard on Fri Nov 2, 2007 10:19AM EDT Report Abuse

    that's insane! I will say running with music allow you to "zone out" but that's about it. I really can't seeing winning a race off there ipod. Your body still does the work.

  • 3 Posted by billionarious@sbcglobal.net on Fri Nov 2, 2007 2:48PM EDT Report Abuse

    Well, I used to listen to music on cycling rides, until I didn't hear somebody trying to pass me, so I quit the habit, rather than create a 'situation' on the road.... So I think I see where they're coming from.

  • 4 Posted by sandman256@sbcglobal.net on Fri Nov 2, 2007 3:53PM EDT Report Abuse

    I think it is a good idea. We run because we want to push our bodies to what ever level we want. When using an ipod for motivation defeats the object of completion with our minds. To close off the brain to thoughts of quiting or being to tired gives us an unfair advantage. Using them for training or a leisurely run would be OK, except for the safety of not hearing the car baring down on you.

  • 5 Posted by donnatimlin@sbcglobal.net on Sat Nov 3, 2007 9:31PM EDT Report Abuse

    I am a back of the pack runner and marathoner and four and five hours without my tunes would be horrible!

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