USATF sanctioned rules for road races

kated930
kated930 Posts: 132
edited October 1 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi Guys

I'm looking for any runners out there who have ran a USATF sanctioned race. The one I want to do says there are no headphones allowed for "the competitive portion of the race". Well, I CANNOT run without music, it is so impossible for me to do a 5 miler without headphones, seriously.

Does anyone know if they really stick to that? And it says the "competitive portion", I am not running so much competitively as I am for personal goals, so does that mean I can wear headphones??

If anyone can answer that for me that would be great :)

Replies

  • Jconner30
    Jconner30 Posts: 311
    I normally dont run with headphones unless its a big run (10+miles). 5 miles is a short run, shouldnt be a problem. Just run with someone you can talk to. Carry on a conversation and the 5 miles will be over before you know it.
  • mistyb47711
    mistyb47711 Posts: 861 Member
    I have just started the wonderful world of running, but....run to the music in your head baby!!!!......but Im far from actually running in public, I do my runs on a hamster wheel in the gym since I dont want anyone to see... :)
  • NotGoddess
    NotGoddess Posts: 1,198 Member
    Check rules for the specific race you'll be running in. I'll be running in a 5k in October and at their website they explained that for that race you could not wear headphones if you were competing for any of the cash prizes. If you were just a casual runner just running to complete the race they don't recommend them, but you wouldn't be asked to take them off.
  • NavySailor
    NavySailor Posts: 84 Member
    Hi Kate,
    The rules on the use of headphones in all USATF races was amended quite some time ago. Rule 144.3, which pertains to the use of headphones and other electronic devices, to enable race directors to choose to allow the use of headphones by runners in non-championship races. The rule previously banned the use use of headphones by all runners. Headphones are still currently banned for any athlete competing in a USA Championship, they may be allowed by race directors in other circumstances, at the discretion of the race director.
    I have run in well over 100 races and I can tell you that never have I seen a race director tell a person they couldn't wear them. I will provide this word of "caution or advice" about running with headphones though. It can be very dangerous not only for you the runner but for those that are running with you. What I see most often is people running with one ear bud in and one out. It is extremely important for you hear other runners coming up from behind you or if anything were to happen on the course and they make announcements.
    There are so many issues regarding headphones, and I don't plan on getting into all of them. Short answer, yes you can wear them. Hope this helps.
  • yogavegan
    yogavegan Posts: 116 Member
    depends on the race, check with the organizers. most local, smaller races will be ok with it, but the larger more competitive ones will disqualify you for it. i was disqualified and escorted off of the course of a half marathon for having my earphones on. it sucked.

    running w/o music seems difficult, but if you start doing some of your training runs without the ipod, you will get used to it and you might even like it. i find it a lot more mindful and meditative to run with the rhythm of my breath, and it gives me a heightened awareness of the environment i am running it.
  • kated930
    kated930 Posts: 132
    I honestly have such problems running without music, I wish I could just get into it with my breathing and what not... not there. I like to jam out to music.

    @yogavegan- That is horrendous!! I def dont want that to happen, but I think a 5 miler one will be fine

    THANKS for all your feedback, I think I'll bring them and if anyone asks me to take them out, I'll suck it up!
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