Headphones are against USATF rules, but enforcement policy is left up to the discretion of the individual event's race directors. Some events take a strict approach (like the Twin Cities Marathon and Grandma's Marathon) while others actively encourage runners to bring music players (like the Portland Marathon). The Frederick Marathon does NOT list headphones as items not permitted on the course so I imagine that they will be allowed (since many events that do list them don't even enforce it on race day).

I am not hear to say whether I agree or disagree with the USTAF rule about wearing headphones during a race. That is a discussion for another forum. If you do not like the rule - either do not run the race or send a letter to the USTAF to get the rule changed.

With that said, the passage below clearly states the position of the Frederick Festival. The passage was taken from page 7 in the Frederick Festival Race Booklet:

<<<<<>>>>>

Prohibited Items

For safety reasons, please adhere to the following: no dogs, no strollers,

no bicycles, no in-line skates, no roller blades, no musical devices

of any kind, no wheeled vehicles (except registered wheelchairs).

Violators may be disqualified and removed from the course by a Race

Official. *This policy has been established by the USATF and is**
required for insurance purposes and the safety of all runners.

<<<<<>>>>>

Walkmans, ipods and mp3 players are musical devices. Since, we all signed the wavier either with a pen or electronically, we must abide by the rule.

That means leave the walkman, ipod and/or mp3 player at home on race day for the safety of all runners.

Here is the link:

Frederick Festival Race Booklet