In response to my email and post yesterday, I received this reply from Bob Gustafson, the PR Director for Grandma’s Marathon:
David,
Thank you for your email. We understand and appreciate your concerns regarding the new USA Track & Field (USATF) rule prohibiting headphones. Hopefully the information below will provide some assistance.
Our races are sanctioned by USATF. Therefore, we are required to abide by USATF rules, regulations and guidelines. In late 2006, USATF approved the banning of all portable music devices at all of its sanctioned road races in an effort to provide increased safety for every participant. So, in accordance with USATF rules we will begin enforcing this new rule at our 2007 races.
Again, thanks for your email and I hope this information answers your questions.
Bob Gustafson
Grandma’s Marathon
Public Relations Director
P.O. Box 16234
Duluth, MN 55816
Phone (218) 727-0947
Fax (218) 727-7932
www.grandmasmarathon.com
So I went to the USATF website and found the rule changes from 2006. Here is the relevant section:
Item 22 – Submitted by George Kleeman, Rules Committee, on behalf of Mark Winitz, Men’s LDR
Amend Rule 144.3(b) as follows:
The visible possession or use by athletes of video or audio cassette recorders or players, TV’s, CD or DVD players, radio transmitters or receivers, mobile phones, computers, or any similar devices in the competition area shall not be permitted. ((In long distance running, this is not a mandatory rule, but is a strong suggestion as a guideline for safety reasons.))
Reason: The huge proliferation of MP3 players and other audio devices using headphones by road race participants constitutes a safety hazard. These devices can prevent runners from hearing critical instructions from course monitors, police, and other race officials. Many race directors are reluctant to prohibit these devices in their races for fear of losing entrants. A firm prohibition by USATF will make it easier for these directors to justify bans on these devices in their races.
The section is double parentheses was removed.
I don’t know what to say, other than I guess my marathon count will end at ten. Or maybe this is a good reason to look at some international races. Either way, this may be my last Grandma’s medal.
Sad…
