This may have been mentioned already, but I just got the new RW, and it talked about this. I guess that they were pretty much the first race to enforce the rule. It said that they went through all of the finishers pictures, and anyone with headphones was DQ'd. It didn't give any numbers of how many they did though.
according to this article they dq'd 176 runners.
http://www.cbc.ca/health/fitness-blog/2007/12/a_seasonal_confession.html
It's against the rules and is considered "aiding" a runner. I agree, but think maybe there is a point where someone is not actually competing for prize money. They want to finish the race, let them wear their headphones.
mcordi wrote:
It's against the rules and is considered "aiding" a runner. I agree, but think maybe there is a point where someone is not actually competing for prize money. They want to finish the race, let them wear their headphones.
Aren't you the sam ass clown that defended the use of listening to music on a training run? No shit that a homo like you would think that this ruling is out of line.
Where's that point, then? Why is it supposedly only an issue for those "competing for prize money"? It's also a safety issue, not just to the wearer but to many other entrants. If runners sign up for a race understanding that there is a clearly stated rule that disallows use of headphones then why wouldn't they expect it to be enforced? The race doesn't want competitors wearing headphones, let them stage their race as they see fit. If people don't like it then they can just go find a race that will permit them do to that, and there are plenty others that will.
From what I've seen, in roadracing and just in regular pedestrian situations, people with headphones have no idea where they're going and no idea of who or what is around them. The enforcement of this "no headphones" rule is a good decision.
For Christ sake, if they want to get run over while wearing headphones let them.
Problem is they cause injuries (or the realistic threat of injury) to others while wearing headphones. If they want to tune out from running that much, why are they even at a race? they should just go down to their local middle school track, cue up the iPod, and throw down on 105.5 laps of pokiness.
I said real runners listen to music- that's all, and I happen to be right.
I didn't say the ruling was out of line, I said it WAS against the rules but maybe, in these mass road races, they should just let some of the people go. They are not racing, they are running.
What do you mean by homo? Homosapien? OK, you're right. Homosexual? You're wrong and how in the world could you come to that conclusion because I made a simple observation?
One more question? What's an "ass clown"? Is it a clown who goes around dressed like a donkey? Or maybe he/she performs by exposing his butt? I don't know and I've been around (but with women only).
Do you have some sexual frustrations that make you accuse others of being homo's based on simple statements?
I know it's not on the topic of the trhead, but I ma curious? Are you an ass clown, which explains why you would know one?
That is a good explanation and I hadn't thought of it. Ironically, I am against the use of headphones, even though someone called me a homo and ass clown for my earlier comment.
Music in the ears can also cause runners to not hear announcements during the race. Very important when marathoners and half-marathoners are sharing a course.
mcordi wrote:
That is a good explanation and I hadn't thought of it. Ironically, I am against the use of headphones, even though someone called me a homo and ass clown for my earlier comment.
You are my favorite ass clown.
Thanks, but I still don't know what an ass clown is! It must be a good thing!
This is really stupid. Who cares.
I'm glad they enforce the rule, if they are a USATF sanctioned event they could lose their insurance otherwise..and finally someone is at least looking the gift horse of the TNT groups and so-called social runners...
I have a buddy who runs with an ipod almost all the time, I don't understand it when he is racing (and he's an ok age-grouper) and has to have it...but I'm on the other end of that spectrum..where I use mine about 5x/yr
I've used music 3 times. I noticed that I was thinking about running and tuned the music out (so to speak) a few times during the run.
I admit I like it, but won't use it all the time. I have been running since 1971 and I'm kind of "old school". I have to admit that it isn't too bad. But, NEVER in a race. I also run when there is little or no traffic and I can hear cars when they go by.
I think attitudes will change. I remember when the 5K was the Fun Run at a road race. I remember when "real" runners ran track. What few road races existed were for marathoners getting ready for their next marathon. Times and attitudes change.
I don't think people should listen to music during a race but I don't know why anyone gives a f*ck if someone is listening to music on a training run.
The same reason people speak out against anything that does not affect them in any way. People just can't live and let live.
So, what does DQ'd mean for these people? I'm sure they got their T-shirts and finisher's medals, right? I guess they can't use the race as a Boston qualifier?
There is no safety issue with headphone use. I've never heard of any accident being caused because a runner used headphones.
This is a straw man used by the race organizers and their insurance companies to cover their butts in case a runner is hurt. They can always use the defense that the rules clearly state that no headphones were permitted, runner X used headphones in violation of the rules, therefore the organizers and/or insurance companies bear no responsibility.
When I pay an entry fee, I expect, at a minimum, for there to be some sort of traffic control. Where there is insufficient traffic control, the blame lies with the race organizers, not the runner who can reasonably expect such in exchange for his entry fee.