Why Bone Conduction Headphones Are the Future of Running

If you’re a runner in the UK, there’s a big change you might not have noticed—traditional in-ear headphones are no longer allowed at many official running events.

That’s right. More and more UK races are banning in-ear headphones due to safety concerns and insurance regulations. But don’t worry — there’s a smart solution that’s not just allowed, but often encouraged: bone conduction headphones.

In this post, we’ll break down:

• Why in-ear headphones are being banned
• What bone conduction headphones are
• The real-world benefits for runners, cyclists & outdoor athletes
• Our top recommendation for race-legal bone conduction headphones

Organisers of official UKA (UK Athletics) affiliated races — including 10Ks, half-marathons, and marathons — have introduced restrictions on in-ear and over-ear headphones.

Safety and awareness.

• You need to hear instructions from marshals

• You must be able to hear traffic on open roads

• Races often run alongside traffic or through mixed-use areas

• Event insurance may be invalidated if runners are wearing in-ear devices

UK Athletics’ rules (Rule 240 S5) state that “Headphones which are plugged into the ears are not permitted unless the course is fully closed to traffic.”

Translation: Unless you’re running a race on a closed circuit (which is rare), your AirPods, Beats, and other earbuds are not allowed.

Bone conduction headphones are an open-ear audio solution that let you listen to music or podcasts without blocking your ears.

Instead of sending sound through your eardrums, they sit just in front of your ears and transmit sound through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear.

Yes, it sounds futuristic — but it works. And it’s amazing.

Whether you’re training, commuting, or racing, bone conduction headphones offer a range of benefits that go way beyond “just following the rules.”

• You can hear traffic, cyclists, pedestrians, and marshals

• Great for running on roads, trails, and towpaths

• You won’t miss an emergency vehicle, a shout, or directions at a race

Why it matters: You stay safer — and you stay legal during races.

Since your ears are not blocked, bone conduction headphones are approved at most UK Athletics events.

Some events even recommend specific bone conduction brands to avoid confusion.

Good to know: Always check the race rules, but in most cases, open-ear designs are allowed and encouraged.

Bone conduction headphones are designed for endurance:

• Lightweight wraparound frames

• Sweat- and water-resistant designs (IP55–IP67 ratings)

• No earbuds falling out, chafing, or wires to fiddle with

You’ll forget you’re even wearing them after a few miles — until your favourite track powers you up that hill.

Need to take a call during your cool-down walk? Bone conduction models often include built-in mics and Bluetooth connectivity, making them handy even off the track.

And because your ears are open, you won’t feel cut off from the world like with noise-cancelling earbuds.

Let’s not forget your ears need looking after. In-ear headphones can:

• Trap sweat and bacteria

• Cause irritation during long runs

• Reduce airflow and increase infection risk

Bone conduction avoids the ear canal completely, meaning fewer hygiene issues and better long-term comfort.

At Maplin, we stock Mixx bone conducting headphones that are known for performance and comfort.

Here’s what to look for:

With in-ear headphones banned from many UK races, bone conduction headphones are no longer just a nice-to-have — they’re essential for competitive runners.

But even if you’re not racing, the comfort, safety, and practicality of open-ear headphones make them a smart upgrade for anyone who runs, cycles, hikes, or just wants to stay connected without tuning out the world.

Stay legal. Stay safe. Stay aware.

Make the switch to bone conduction headphones — and experience the freedom of open-ear audio.

You can also explore our full range of in-ear and over-ear headphones to suit your personal preferences. Check them out today!