Remove The iPod Ban At Marathons

Bill Roe, President, and Craig Masback, CEO

USA Track & Field
One RCA Dome, Suite 140
Indianapolis, IN 46225

Mr. Roe and Mr. Masback:

We ask that you reconsider your ban on ipods and other digital music devices in USATF-sanctioned running events, including marathons throughout the country. We disagree that this change is in the best interest of the sport.

The ban should be either withdrawn or at worst, discouraged from use instead of banned outright. In media coverage, USATF has been reported as stating that a ban on ipods and other music devices would benefit elite runners, who have complained about "weekend warrior" runners that interfere with them as they race a marathon or half-marathon course. Rather than ban audio devices for all runners, instead new regulations could be created to allow elite runners an earlier start time than the general racing public. This would not affect timing, since most major races are timed with chips.

Such a ban would be most discouraging for non-elite runners, who have propelled the growth of this sport over the last several years. These runners largely rely on music to keep them motivated, and in many cases it helps them finish the race. A ban could have a devastating impact on registration numbers in the future, as so-called "weekend warriors" -- who today arguably have become the backbone of the sport -- decide not to run and instead participate in other athletic endeavors.

Further, a ban of audio players could have a substantial negative impact on sponsorship of major events such as marathons. These races rely heavily on revenues generated by registration fees, as well as revenues from sponsorships. A ban may hurt participation in these events, which in turn could jeopardize participation from sponsors.

Some have said that a ban is in the best interest of safety, since runners require all of their senses to be safe. Aside from the insensitivity of this statement to deaf and disabled runners, it also is simply untrue. One story gives the example of runners clustering at a water station, apparently distracted by ipods. We submit that these runners are most distracted by the fact that they cannot see other runners behind them.

We suggest other measures be taken to further ensure safety -- ones that have been sorely needed in the sport -- like better traffic enforcement along the race course, better emergency procedures and added flexibility with scheduling of races, preferably to times of the year that are best conducive to outdoor running.

In summary, we believe a ban on ipods and other audio devices is a poor policy by the USATF that could set back the sport many years and, at the least, discourage participation and generate bad publicity for future events.