To ensure safety and comply with mandatory USATF insurance requirements and Portland Police requests, we encourage all participants to adopt our earphone policy. While we won’t remove you from the course if you don’t comply, we ask for your consideration in following the guidelines below.
Reasons for the Policy
- Insurance Compliance: Our insurance requires this policy to maintain coverage.
- Safety Concerns: Not hearing your surroundings can lead to safety and directional issues. Keeping even one earbud out can make a difference in hearing cars, people, or instructions from course marshals.
Every race, we encounter participants who miss turns or turnaround points due to not hearing instructions. Utilizing both sight and sound is critical for safety.
Earphone Solutions
- One Earbud In: Keep one earbud out to stay aware of your surroundings. This allows you to hear course marshals, police officers, vehicles, and other participants.
- Bone Conduction Headphones: Consider using bone conduction headphones like Shokz, which allow you to hear ambient sounds while enjoying your music. Read this Buzzfeed review for more information. These are available online or at any Foot Traffic store.
- Headphoneless: Enjoy the carolers and music groups along the course. We support amazing groups that keep you motivated, regardless of the weather.
- Mini Speaker: While less common, carrying a mini speaker is also an option and perfectly acceptable.