England Athletics Aftershokz Partnership

England Athletics recently announced a new partnership with Aftershokz sport headphones, the award winning bone conducting headphones brand.

Bone conduction headphones are the only earphones that are approved for use in road races under the UKA rules of competition (see UKA FAQ Document relating to UKA Rule 240S 5).

Using bone conduction technology, Aftershokz deliver sound through the cheekbones to the inner ear. This means that runners can still hear everything around them including marshal instructions, traffic and fellow participants as well as emergency vehicles and other warning noises whilst wearing bone conduction headphones, unlike traditional headphones and earbuds that block out these sounds.

Many runners enjoy listening to music as part of their training regime in the build to race day and maintaining enjoyment is a key factor in encouraging long term fitness practices.

Aftershokz, who promote safe running, have become England Athletics’ official headphone partner and will be providing exclusive discounts to England Athletics registered athletes and RunTogether participants and leaders. They will also offer support to Race Directors and event organisers.

The UKA rules of competition are clear that “in ear” headphones cannot be used in events where roads are open to traffic and UKA have confirmed that bone conducting headphones being “open ear” are approved for use by runners in all races as they do not sit in the ear. This ruling was made before any partnership discussions between England Athletics and Aftershokz took place.

This partnership does not affect the rights of Race Directors who, for whatever reason, choose not to allow the wearing of headphones of any sort in their race.