So he shouldn't be allowed to wear headphones because it would make him, you, or others run faster times by only stimulating the mind into being more "in the zone" so to say, not enhancing performance through muscles? You just stated the reason why the rule is dumb. If headphones were allowed we would see more sub 3:50 miles, more sub 13:00 5ks, more sub 27:00 10ks, the first sub 2-hour marathon, maybe some white sub-2:05 marathons. Only reasons against running for headphones are personal choice.