Taking place on September 21, 2025, the BMW Berlin-Marathon is allowing participants to wear open-ear headphones for the first time in the event’s history. The decision marks a change to a decades-long restriction on runners listening to music during the marathon.
With event organiser SCC Events now approving open ear headphones, the move follows an international trend. This is seen to be in favour of safety, inclusivity, and an improved running experience for participants.
The event, which is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, attracts over 50,000 participants annually. The race is known for its flat, fast course that has seen 13 world records.
Mark Milde, Race Director at SCC said “With open-ear headphones, you get the best of both worlds: safety and atmosphere.”
He noted that many runners already train and compete with headphones, making the official approval a welcome change.
Christian Jost, CEO of SCC Events, said the decision is 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.”
The official headphones partner for the 2025 event is Shokz, a pioneer in open-ear technology.
Timo Göhler of SCC Events added “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.”
While professional athletes must still refrain from wearing headphones due to regulatory requirements, the approval for recreational runners marks a shift for the marathon. The organisers underline that awareness of runners’ immediate environment is still crucial, and that safety remains a top priority.
