I've run several races with 5K/10K or 5K/10 miles and seen runners with headphones not be aware of which way to go MANY times and get in the way of the runners behind them as the headphone wearers try to figure out at the last second where to go, and cut across the path of other runners to get to the correct side of the street. It happens much less frequently with the headphone free who are so much more aware of their surroundings.

For all those others who say it should be the runner's choice, you just don't get it. What about the choice of those your wearing headphones interferes with? Your "choice" can disrupt the race for others and make it more difficult not only for other runners, but for the volunteers out on the course trying to make sure the race goes smoothly for everyone. It's the old saying , "your right to swing your fist ends where my face begins." Your "right" to run with headphones ends when it interferes with the ability of others to run their race - either as runners or on the organization side. There are many of us going for age group place who are not right up in the front, so don't think your headphone use is no problem just because you are not at the front of the pack. I've seen iPod/headphone wearers cause a lot of problems, many of which they have no clue about because they are NOT aware, so I really don't believe all of you who are so sure your headphone use isn't a problem. How would you know?

All I can say is wait til its you in the ambulance that can't evac, because they can't get around the IPOD wearer....

Wait til you're tripped up by someone who wont turn down their headset as they approach the finish line, not hearing instructions, or is more consumed with turning on their headset than the fact the race has started......

I work about 60 events a year..... it happens often.

and there are more novices wearing headsets than seasoned participants....the very people most at risk (How many people with a race number on their back have you spotted with an IPOD?)

So you'd be willing to sign a waiver that says...I revoke my right to sue any and all parties and assume ALL LAIBILITIES (that means they sue you directly for everything, and you'll cover the races legal costs too) for ALL damages your participating with headphones may cause?

AND FOR THE "expletive deleteds" among you that argue its the same as being deaf.....deaf people learn how to be aware of their surrondings......your very arguement says...."my IPOD helps me escape my surroundings....." amazingly people who would never sing Karaoke drunk, sing out loud wearing headsets

NOT ALLOWING headsets is a courtesy to all other participants, volunteers and emergency personal at the event

I bet you don't hold the door open for the person behind you, don't replace the roll of t.p. you emptied when you leave the bathroom, chew with your mouth open and don't cover your mouth when you sneeze and cough either do you?

There is always a risk whenever I step out the door to run, but I know the risks. I love to run, some days with music, some without. I am not an elite runner and never will be, but let me tell you, when one is out on the course of a marathon (4+ hours) without allowing any music, that will be the day when I no longer choose to run those races. I think it's just another excuse...for the race directors to plump up their feathers!

Happy Running!

Nancy

PS. If music doesn't play such an integral part of exercise, I wonder why my gym plays the music so doggone loud???

Yes, your saying that you have volunteered before just once would have communicated that fact.

Having volunteered before myself, exactly what urgent mid-race information are you having to communicate that is frustrating you so. If the runners don't receive information about the water station, or the correct turn, then that is their loss for choosing to tune into other things. Don't let it bother you so.

If you are having trouble navigating around so many music listeners to keep your pace, I am assuming that you are having to passing them not them passing you that is so frustrating, shall I recommend that you position yourself in the pack more appropriately. It sounds like it would be just as frustrating to have to pass so many "slower" runners and miss the opportunity for your PR whether they can hear your commanding "Left" message as you approach them from the rear the first time you bellow or not.

Paul828

Give me choice, or give me the death of hardening arteries...maybe I went too far with that.

Paul828

Paul828