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April 1, 2008

ipod

Marathoners may have to run silent

Posted Apr. 1, ’08, 11:23 AM PT by Dan Moren
Category | iPod

Boston MarathonFrom the “No, it’s actually not a joke as far as we can tell, but we suppose we could be wrong” department comes this story that the IAAF Road Running Commission, which oversees marathons, is considering banning the iPod from its events. The reason? Good old-fashioned safety.

The ban has already been enacted by USA Track & Field, which oversees races in the US:

Jill Geer, spokeswoman for USA Track & Field, said: ‘Being able to hear is a fundamental part of running. If there’s a water stop and you veer over in someone’s blind spot, you’re going to at least inconvenience them.’

She added: ‘Some runners are irate and we understand and respect the thousands who like to listen to music. But we have a fundamental duty to guarantee the safety of participants.’

The IAAF Road Running Commission will debate whether to adopt the rule at September meeting in Rio, but David Bedford, director of the upcoming London Marathon, has said that the ban, which he calls “completely unenforceable,” will not affect that event.

Personally, I get bored running two or three miles even with my iPod on. Not sure I could handle a marathon without it. Actually, not sure I could run a marathon period, so what am I worried about?

[via Macworld UK]


2 Comments

fletcher Author Profile Page said:

This is real. I've read about this before. Some events already ban personal listening devices and more will ban them in the future. It has nothing to do with iPods other than them being the most popular personal listening device these days.

I don't think the ban goes far enough. I think they should ban shoes, sports bras, tension shorts, all clothing just to be on the safe side. If you can't run the whole 26 miles barefoot and naked then you're not a real marathon runner. Pinning on the number will be a pain, but a marathon isn't for wimps.

April 1, 2008 11:51 AM
Dave-O said:

Isn't a marathon the safest time to listen to your iPod? Seriously, people have been killed crossing the street. That wouldn't happen running a marathon though.

Doesn't make a lot of sense to me anyway. All that heavy breathing... And the sweat on your headphones... Ewww.

April 1, 2008 3:38 PM

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