"No Headphones" Policy Eliminated

In accordance with revised regulations of U. S. Track and Field, the St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend (SJMMW) no longer bans the use of headphones and other listening devices while participating in our race events (except for elite athletes; see below).

However, the SJMMW recognizes the potential danger of wearing such devices during a sometimes-crowded race on city streets shared with auto traffic and strongly urges participants not to use headphones.

According to Road Runners Club of America's tips for running safety: "Don't wear headsets. Use your ears to be aware of the surroundings. Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense-your hearing. Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are."