Running in a Race

by Jill

I'm a new runner, and signed up to my very first race/fun run (a 10k) in a couple of weeks!

Here's my question: in training, I always run with a water bottle and my MP3 player.

I am wondering if it's allowed to use these in a race (and would you advise to do so)?


Answer by Dominique:


Hi Jill,
Thanks for your running question. Very exciting that you are going to participate in your very first race!

You are definitely allowed to run with MP3 player and/or water bottle. Depending on how big the race is, you may want to turn the MP3 player off for the first few minutes.

In the beginning many people will pass you and you will pass many people.
Without the music, I find it a lot easier to concentrate and to make sure I hear the people behind me and around me.

As the field stretches out after the beginning minutes and you have some space around you, then you can safely put the MP3 player on.

All the best in your race and, if you feel like it, post a race report with your experiences in the YOUR Running Stories section after the event!


Kind regards,
Dominique