Almost every race says there not allowed, but it's very rarely enforced.  I wouldn't worry about it. Most races you will see many runners with earphones.

Len

Welcome to active.com!  The no-headphones policy is an official rule of the USTF (United States Track and Field) but they leave the enforcement up to the discretion of the event coordinators.  The vast majority of them don't want to enforce the rule so it is usually overlooked.  You will usually see some runners wearing headphones during their races.  I hope this helps.  Please let us know if you have any more questions or comments.

Happy running!

Jay

The rule is in place for a reason and it distubs me that adults are aware its there yet choose to snub their nose at it.  Yes, it is usually up to each event to choose wether or not to enforce it.  Two years ago at the MCM I had to grab a fellow by the arm and pull to the side.  Just as she was giving me a drop dead look she realized the ambulance passing us trying to makes it way through.  No disrespect is intended to anybody, but I have always hated those things.  Its completly disconects people from their environment.  For some, not everybody its crutch for them to run and they cannot run without.   But if it helps, and your out running then I guess thats more important than pounding dounuts!  

I sometimes feel snubbed by people wearing them especially at the gym.  As I walk past I say hello, or good morning, but thn realize they didnt hear me.  Its like a "dont bother me, I am listenting to my own music." thing,  Again no disrespect intended its just opinion.  

I said I meaat no disrepect to anybody, Its just my opinion... thats all.   I have seen people removed from Marathons and Triathlons  as well by the event staff and get all  snotty  with them about it.   Sure i have speed on the highway, and no I have not always followed every rule.  Sometimes intentionally and sometimes unintentionally.    

Best wishes.  

I have never worn headphones while running, but I just bought an MP3 player to start using. I have decided when I am using it that I will only put one ear bud in. That way I am still aware of what is going on around me, yet still have somewhat of a distraction too. I probably wouldn't wear them in a race if it states not to wear them, but I see lots of other people doing it, so it probably isn't a problem. The worst they could do is tell you to put it away, right? It's worth a try and if none of the officials object, then go for it!! 

Not to be tangential ... but he is stationed in Germany. Returned from Iraq in October ... being re-deployed (not sure which war) in April. We wish safety for all our military.

I recall the first time I visited him at flight school.  He lectured me about driving "on base".  He made it very clear that when the speed limit said 30  ...  it didn't mean 31  ...  and certainly not 35.  I had to use cruise control to crawl that slow.  So why was he so adament?  Not because he thought the limit had merit  ...  but because he feared the repercussions of having to endure a one way conversation with a superior officer.

Well, you could be pulled from the course and disqualified. Don't worry, it's extremely rare.

This is an on-going controversy and won't be resolved by ranting at each other here.  MP3 players/earphones are banned by rule for a variety of reasons. Safety is not the first or main reason and that part of the ban is a bit trumped up by the insurers.  I understand that many runners love to have their music with them.  But I too have been involved in a few incidents like those already described and it can be annoying, at least.  On the other hand, I've seen runners zone-out without benefit of music and earphones.  I actually met one guy who wears earplugs so he doesn't have to listen to what's going on around him!

The ban is rarely enforced.  But if you're going to wear them be like Kimberly, keep one earpiece in and one out.  Also be aware that if you are involved in an incident, you could be DQ'ed if you're wearing earphones.

Len