Can I use headphones or earphones in a road race?

The World Athletics Technical Rules do not set one rule for every runner. For mass participation running events, they advise race organisers to tell all participants which rules and procedures apply to each category, especially for safety when all or part of the race is not closed to traffic.

As an example, the rules say this may allow athletes (other than those in the elite or other categories to whom Technical Rule 6.3 would apply) to use head or earphones when running on a closed course, while prohibiting their use, or at least recommending against it, for slower runners when the course is open to traffic.

Technical Rule 6.3 lists as assistance that is not allowed the "possession or use of video recorders, radios, CD, radio transmitters, mobile phone or similar devices in the competition area".

Source: World Athletics Technical Rules (Book C, C1.1 and C2.1), edition updated 1 July 2026: https://worldathletics.org/about-iaaf/documents/book-of-rules