FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Headphone Ban Lifted at Grandma's Marathon
USATF Rule Amended to Allow Music Devices on Course
(Duluth, Minn.) Participants in Grandma's Marathon's races this June will
once again be allowed to use headphones, race officials have announced.
USA Track & Field (USATF) recently amended rule 144.3(f) effectively
lifting its previously imposed ban on headphones and other music devices.
USATF is the governing body for long distance running events in the United
States.
In 2006, the organization instituted a ban on the use of headphones and
other music devices at all USATF-sanctioned running events, which include
Grandma's Marathon, the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon and the William A.
Irvin 5K. USATF adopted the rule in an effort to increase runner safety.
"The safety of our participants will always be a priority at our events, as
we want everyone to have an enjoyable experience on the course," says Scott
Keenan, executive director of Grandma's Marathon.
While participants will be allowed to wear headphones, officials encourage
runners to consider participating without them as a way to enhance their
overall race experience. "We think our course atmosphere along the shores
of Lake Superior is as good as any in the country," says Keenan. "There is
nothing quite like hearing the thousands of enthusiastic volunteers,
spectators and entertainers that we have along the course. Speaking from
experience, it's extremely motivational."
In accordance with the USATF rule, Grandma's Marathon had enforced the
headphone ban at its races for the past two years. "We have consistently
enforced USATF rules and we will continue to support its rules, regulations
and recommendations," adds Keenan.
Registration for the 33rd running of Grandma's Marathon opened January 15.
The field is nearly 60 percent full as 5,500 runners have registered to
date for the 9,500 available slots. Last year, the race reached its field
capacity on April 7.
Grandma's Marathon weekend also features the 19th annual Garry Bjorklund
Half Marathon and the 16th annual William A. Irvin 5K. Registration for
those two events will begin in February and March, respectively. The Garry
Bjorklund Half Marathon is Saturday, June 20 at 6:30 a.m. and the William
A. Irvin 5K is Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m.
For more information on any of Grandma's Marathon's races or events, visit
www.GrandmasMarathon.com or call (218) 727-0947.
2009 Grandma's Marathon Online Registration Schedule
Grandma's Marathon (Limited to first 9,500 entrants)
NOW OPEN !!!
Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon (4,500 entrants selected via lottery)
Lottery registration open from Feb. 18 until 8 a.m. on March 2
William A. Irvin 5K (Limited to first 1,500 entrants)
Registration opens Wednesday, March 18
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