Marathoner Jennifer Goebel Loses Title For Running With An iPod

Marathon runner Jennifer Goebel was stripped off her title for carrying an iPod while running. Goebel was competing at the Milwaukee's Lakefront marathon. She ran in the elite athlete group, which is obliged to follow the US Track and Field rules. And, the official rules prohibit competitive marathon runners to use iPods while running. Goebel's iPod was noticed thanks to the photos that emerged after the marathon. Goebel claimed she only listened to her iPod for a small portion of the race.

Arguably, iPod can be a performance enhancer. It can get you pumped and everything, but it does not interfere with an athlete's health, and it is not like only very few athletes have access to it. In that case, why not just allow all runners to use it?

Interestingly, Goebel did not actually place first. Another runner Cassie Peller showed the best time, but was also stripped off her title for accepting a water bottle from her friend rather than the official water station.

After Peller lost her title, Goebel was bumped to first. Now, with Goebel gone, the woman who came in third will get the title. Let's just hope that woman did not violate some other US Track and Field rule either.