Due to do my first marathon in Liverpool next month and just received race details which state it's under UKA rules, and so headphones are not allowed, under pain of disqualification and lack of insurance cover.

After training with music, am I really expected to do 26 miles without it?

How seriously is this usually taken?

I'm the same as Mark, I nearly always train with my MP3 (trackwork being the exception) and race without it as I want my whole concentration on the race, on beating the competitor in front and assessing my breathing. Also I do like a bit of banter on the way round with other competitors, no harm in saying hello or cheering them on as you pass them.

You will usually find the front runners i.e. the first 25% across the line do not run with headphones for some of the reasons above. I done the Birmingham Half last year and it was pretty crowded at the start, it was mildly irratating on a couple of occassions where people running headphones could not hear me when I politely asked them to let me through as they were in their own world and I had to force my way which was not very gentlemanly but I have a race to run and not to boogie on down.

I think its best to respect the organiser's wishes and run races without headphones. The race atmosphere and excitement should keep you entertained anyway. There is a safety aspect as well as its important to be able to hear marshalls instructions and warnings. Its rare i know but sometimes you get impatient motorists, cyclists and even ambulances trying to get through.

Thanks for the posts. Looks like a run without headphones then. Did the Liverpool half marathon without, and 16+ miles today without music (not deliberate, just ran out of charge!) so I guess I'll just get swept along by the event.

Hi Melissa, how did your half go at the weekend? I'm hoping for somewhere between 4 and 41/2 hours, but training hasn't been smooth so I might just be pleased to finish. See you there.

I don't run to music whether training or racing.

I just focus on the scenery; my breathing; footsteps and rythmn.

In my head I'm working out strategies - where is the wind; am I hurting; relax those feet; can I stay with this guy or reach the next group. Is it time to push or hold back; am I on schedule etc etc.

I couldn't possibly do any of that with music blaring in my ears and I also think I'm a grumpy old man and constant noise is a must for the younger set - not for me though, the whole point is to in myself and not have a head blasting.

I'll stop 'cos I'm getting grumpy again!

I only recently started running 'wired for sound', but only on long training runs, and that's just so that I can listen to Marathon Talk! I wouldn't even consider plugging in for a race.