An historic first at this year’s BMW BERLIN-MARATHON: for the very first time in the race’s history, participants are officially permitted to wear open-ear headphones. This marks the end of a decades-long restriction that banned music during the marathon. With the evolution of open-ear technologies – pioneered by brands like Shokz – the safety risks once posed by closed systems have been significantly reduced. By allowing open-ear headphones, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON now follows an international trend and sends a clear signal in favour of safety, inclusivity, and a richer running experience.
With more than 50,000 participants from over 150 nations every year, the BMW BERLIN-MARATHON is one of the largest running events in the world and part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Its famously flat, record-fast course has already seen 13 world records – the latest by Eliud Kipchoge. Against this global backdrop, Race Director Mark Milde explains: “With open-ear headphones, you get the best of both worlds: safety and atmosphere.” He notes that many runners already train and compete with headphones, making the official approval a welcome change that will likely meet broad support.
Christian Jost, CEO of SCC Events, also views the decision as a milestone: “It creates clarity, and that’s positive. No one needs to feel they must justify themselves. Music has become a much more integral part of running today than it used to be, and with that, its popularity has grown.”
Partnership with Shokz
Shokz is a global pioneer in open-ear headphone technology. With its bone-conduction and DirectPitch™ innovations, the brand has consistently worked to unite sound quality, comfort, and safety. Shokz is already a trusted partner of major international events such as the Chicago Marathon and is firmly established within the global running community.
For the organizers, Shokz is more than a conventional sponsor. Timo Göhler of SCC Events emphasizes: “Shokz is a partner on a higher level – someone who shares our values and actively wants to shape the experience with us. That’s something we really appreciate.”
Race Director Mark Milde adds that the brand’s credibility in the sport is unmatched: “Shokz has the right pedigree, not least through its partnership with Eliud Kipchoge, who even has his own special edition.”
Focus on Safety and Community
While professional athletes must still refrain from wearing headphones due to regulatory requirements, the approval for recreational runners sends a strong signal. The organizers underline that safety and consideration for others remain the top priority.
Christian Jost stresses: “Awareness of the environment is still crucial. That’s exactly what open-ear technology makes possible. Ultimately, it’s about community and respect.” Mark Milde adds that technological progress has also played a decisive role: “More and more people listen to music while running. Battery performance is no longer an issue, and the technology is now at a level that allows runners to truly enjoy music throughout a marathon. We’ve never had an accident caused by someone missing an important signal.”
