Should Marathons Ban iPods?

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.