Should iPods be banned in running races?
Categories: Healthy Events, Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Reviews & Products
Can you imagine training several months for a half-marathon with your trusty iPod only to be told to hand over your motivational friend at the starting line? Christopher Russell wrote a thoughtful article in Active on the iPod ban controversy. A half-marathon he recently entered refused to start the race until all runners turned over their headphones.
The U.S. governing body for running, USA Track & Field (USATF), officially banned headphones in races last December citing insurance liability and safety issues. But race officials traditionally tend to look the other way at the starting line. In a new response, the Portland Marathon is now iPod-friendly, advocating for common sense headphone use. They justify the policy thanks to their closed course (e.g., no cars).
I'm sure there have been instances where a plugged-in racer with AC/DC on volume 10 was hurt by cross-traffic, couldn't hear course marshals or wavered into a passing runner. There will always be iPod-iDiots that turn the volume up so loud they can't race safely. Same goes for the bicycling jerks that don't know how to pass on the left. Serious collisions or even deaths can strike in a split second when people pass improperly or those being passed cannot hear "on your left" passing signals.
I like the Portland Marathon's approach for a closed course. Allow iPods, but back it up with a public relations campaign encouraging safe headphone racing etiquette. I'm undecided when it comes to plugging in on an open course and would appreciate feedback from experienced racers via the poll or a comment.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Paul 12-23-2007 @ 6:41PM
Bev,
Awesome article! Where do you get these great ideas?
I, for one, find listening to my music (at a safe sound level) very inspirational for my running. It's one of the things that keeps me going.
If I get onto a course that will take away my time if they see me running with an iPod, then fine, take away my time. But, it'd be the last time I run that course.
Again, Bev, fantastic writing!
Reply
Tough It Out 1-08-2008 @ 11:32AM
If the governing body of the sport thinks certain devices or practices makes a sanctioned activity less safe or more problematic, then it should take appropriate measures. This step doesn't totally exclude people from wanting to wear headphones or talk on cell phones from all events.
Long-time distance race runner here. Road races survived and thrived long before today's conveniences (some call "needs") took root. The prevailing attitudetoday seems to be participation and people trying to mold a race to each's individual preferences rather than to adapt to the race/event and its conditions/demands.
Those who think this ban is harsh and over-reacching would have difficulty in the not-so-olden days, when some events required USATF membership, marathon courses closed after 5-5.5 hr, there was race aid only at 5-kilometer intervals (and only water), etc.
Reply
Bdawg 1-23-2008 @ 12:15AM
The U.S. governing body for running, USA Track & Field (USATF), officially banned headphones in races last December citing insurance liability and safety issues.
What does the USATF's insurance and liability say about Deaf Runners and their safety?
Reply