The Wearing of Headphones Whilst Racing.

As a runner for over 50 years and a Race organiser for the last 15 I am bewildered as to why some runners insist on wearing their headphones whilst participating in a race.

We tried very hard at last years race to get the message over about not wearing headphones whilst racing, but all our messages fall on deaf ears (probably because they had their headphones on!) The use of headphones by runners seems to be getting more prevalent and in last years race some runners were oblivious to the fact that there was an ambulance on route to the field hospital with a casualty onboard, right behind them – even with the driver leaning on the horn – eventually they had to put their siren on and the runners in question were pulled to one side by other runners.

I really cannot understand why some  runners feels the  need to caccoon themselves in their own world when they should be enjoying the camaraderie of other runners and soak up the great atmosphere that is always a big part of mass participation races.

I know that some major races, including the New York Marathon are banning the use of headphones - but I fear that policing will be another matter!

I sincerely hope that for 2010 runners will seriously consider leaving their headphones behind for one day and enjoy the atmosphere and camaraderie of other runners and the support of the magnificent crowds – there is no better motivation!