Running across Europe: The Rise and Size of One of the Largest Sport Markets
Abstract
Over the past forty years, running has developed into one of the most popular physical leisure activities in Europe. An estimated 50 million Europeans are engaged in running as a way to stay healthy and/or to challenge themselves and there has been a marked surge in running events all over Europe with more people running marathons than ever before. Analysing in-depth data from over 11 European countries – including Belgium, Denmark, England, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Spain – this collection explores this phenomenon and addresses issues of participation, governance, cost, health and the history of running. Drawing on this unique material, the volume sets out policy challenges and marketing possibilities for maximising the current opportunities provided by the running market.
... Res. Public Health 2023, 20, 2371 2 of 13 social or group exercise) would be a much more effective way of encouraging individuals to participate in physical activities due to the opportunities for social engagement and interaction engendered by these pursuits, especially considering the advances in technology such as mobile apps and social media channels [5][6][7][8]. In particular, running is an example of a sports activity that is profoundly socially structured [7,8]. ...
... Public Health 2023, 20, 2371 2 of 13 social or group exercise) would be a much more effective way of encouraging individuals to participate in physical activities due to the opportunities for social engagement and interaction engendered by these pursuits, especially considering the advances in technology such as mobile apps and social media channels [5][6][7][8]. In particular, running is an example of a sports activity that is profoundly socially structured [7,8]. Thus, the number of corunners, regardless of the co-runners' ability level, is significantly associated with increases in running behavior (e.g., weekly running sessions). ...
... Given the psychosocial and health benefits of socially consumed sports acquired by participants [7,8], the current study investigated the determinants of social running activities using the model of the goal-directed behavior (MGB) perspective. The results from the current study will provide valuable information for health promotion agencies and running app companies regarding the determination of a way in which to encourage people to participate in social running. ...
The current study investigated the determinants of the desire and intention to participate in an inner-city ‘running crew’ among social runners using a theoretical framework of the model of goal-directed behavior (MGB). Data were obtained from 245 social runners in Korea using an online questionnaire and primarily analyzed with the structural equation modeling technique. The results indicated that the desire to participate in a running crew was influenced most by positive anticipated emotions, followed (in descending order) by attitudes, negative anticipated emotions, social norms, perceived behavioral control, and the frequency of past behaviors. Runners’ behavioral intentions were predicted by desire but not directly related to perceived behavioral control and the frequency of past behavior. Overall, the study emphasized the importance of positive anticipated emotions and behavioral desire, among others, to encourage recreational runners’ participation in social running activities. Given that social runners rely on mobile apps to participate in running crew activities, the current study’s results have practical implications for running crew organizers, sports-branded app developers, and health promotion agencies.
... The report "The State of Running 2019" [6] mentions 70,000 running events that were to be held worldwide in 2019, in which 107.9 million people were expected to participate (the authors write about individual results). The European population of amateur runners was estimated at 45-55 million people at the beginning of the second decade of the 21st century [7]. International studies show that the COVID-19 pandemic had not limited the amateur running activity [8]. ...
... In contrast, representatives of physical culture and health sciences are keen to focus on the effectiveness of running training, running injuries, the role of physical activity in disease prevention, etc. [11][12][13][14][15][16]. Economists consider the issue of the size and structure of the so-called running market [7,[17][18][19][20]. ...
... If we assumed that these data are valid in 2018 (constant prices) and that runners who train regularly spend exactly the above amount on running equipment annually, while occasional runners spend half of it, we could calculate that the community of Polish recreational runners (constituted by 3.4 million people) spends PLN 1.7 billion on running equipment every year. Let us point out that an essentially similar value of the Polish running market was obtained by Breedveld and colleagues [7]. It turns out that they estimated the amount of consumer expenditure at 313 million EUR in 2013, which can be roughly translated into 1.4 billion PLN (assuming an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 4.5 PLN). ...
This study addresses the social impact of the popularity of recreational running (called: running boom). Four dimensions are classified: (1) economic, (2) health and psychological well-being, (3) environmental and (4) social (in narrow sense). The first three of these were included in the analysis performed. The analysis relates to Polish society in 2018 and is based on a thought experiment assuming that 3.4 million recreational runners engage in leisure activities as passive and indifferent to their surroundings as possible instead of running. What economic, health, and environmental consequences would this have? The interdisciplinary analysis uses and combines existing scientific findings. The economic effects of the running boom include at least PLN 1.7 billion spent annually on the purchase of running equipment (not including effects related to employee health, development of running tourism, etc.). The health effects include at least a 30% reduction in the risk of death in the next 15 years for the population of runners. Finally, the carbon footprint of Polish amateur runners can be estimated at 2.9 million tons of CO2.
... Sport can be practiced in a variety of contexts, and while the more traditional sports clubs are losing their share of general sports participation [3], there are other settings that have been gaining popularity in recent years (such as participation in fitness centres) [4]. In addition, people are becoming increasingly active in non-organised contexts as well (so-called sport light; e.g., alone, unorganised with friends, in participatory sports events, etc.) [5,6]. ...
... Running and walking are the two prime examples of this evolution towards sport light and are rated as two of the most popular sports in different EU countries [1,5,7], as well as in the United States and Canada [8,9]. Traditionally, running was practiced by (competitive) athletes in track and field clubs or as part of school curricula [5,10]. ...
... Running and walking are the two prime examples of this evolution towards sport light and are rated as two of the most popular sports in different EU countries [1,5,7], as well as in the United States and Canada [8,9]. Traditionally, running was practiced by (competitive) athletes in track and field clubs or as part of school curricula [5,10]. In the past decades, however, the profile of runners has become more heterogenous (e.g., sex, age, motivations to run) [11][12][13]. ...
As the two prime examples of sport light, running and walking have become very popular sports activities in the past decades. There are references in the literature of similarities between both sports, however these parallels have never been studied. In addition, the current digitalisation of society can have important influences on the further diversification of profiles. Data of a large-scale population survey among runners and walkers (n = 4913) in Flanders (Belgium) were used to study their sociodemographic, sports related and attitudinal characteristics, and wearable usage. The results showed that walkers are more often female, older, lower educated, and less often use wearables. To predict wearable usage, sports-related and attitudinal characteristics are important among runners but not among walkers. Motivational variables to use wearables are important to predict wearable usage among both runners and walkers. Additionally, whether or not the runner or walker registers the heart rate is the most important predictor. The present study highlights similarities and differences between runners and walkers. By adding attitudinal characteristics and including walkers this article provides new insights to the literature, which can be used by policymakers and professionals in the field of sport, exercise and health, and technology developers to shape their services accordingly.
... Caspersen et al., 1985;Khan et al., 2012) that allows people to be physically active and reap some of the benefits mentioned in Table 1.1 (e.g., Pereira et al., 2021). In part because of its highly accessible nature, running has reached high levels of global popularity (Scheerder et al., 2015;Pedisic et al., 2019;Scheerder et al., 2020). On top of this, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated countermeasures appear to have instigated a 'running boom' over the past years, further boosting its popularity (Duijvestijn et al., 2021;see also World Athletics, 2021). ...
... Findings show that 15.5% of the active Dutch population (i.e., those training at least weekly) between 18 and 64 years were runners in 2020 (CBS/RIVM, 2021; see also Hulteen et al., 2017). Furthermore, the popularity of running has been rising in the Netherlands over the past 20 years; trendlines suggest its share to be on the rise both in the overall population as well as in terms of its presence among the active population (see Figure 1.1; see also Scheerder et al., 2015). The savings in health costs resulting from sports participation appear to outweigh the added health costs originating from sports injuries (EuroSafe, 2016;Duijvestijn et al., 2020). ...
... Globally, millions of people run on a regular basis, accompanied by an increasing number of running events such as half and full marathons (Hulteen et al., 2017). In the European Union, approximately 50 million people partake in running (Scheerder et al., 2015), while in the USA, there are about 42 million running participants (Running USA, 2014). With approximately 2.4 million practitioners, running is also one of the most popular sports in the Netherlands (Scheerder et al., 2015). ...
This dissertation discusses whether specific psychological factors contribute to our ability to understand and optimize the health outcomes of running. It provides information on coping, psychological risk profiles, an app intervention, and a self-assessment tool to determine one's risk for adverse health outcomes as a runner.
... Long-distance or endurance running events have spread all around the globe in the last three decades, including a high diversity in the related event distances (5 km, 10 km, half marathon, marathon, or ultra-marathon) and orientation (urban races, trail races, fun races, or internationally oriented competitions). In Europe, the size of the running market is approximately 45-55 million adult runners [8]. In Spain, the number of running events held is over 3300, reaching more than 40,000 participants with a single event [9]. ...
... Scale items were divided into two dimensions: importance (20) and satisfaction (20), in line with the IPA methodology previously described [25]. In addition, scale items were divided into three categories in both the importance and satisfaction scales: management items (7), day of event items (8), and itinerary items (5). ...
The benefits that a positive running experience provides to individuals have been broadly studied by the scientific community, with the finding that running sport events are a facilitating tool to attract more individuals into physical activity. This study focuses on a sport management approach to improve the quality and organizational efficiency of running sports events so that a better experience for runners can be provided. The methods of this research consist of the validation of a new questionnaire called ‘The IPA4RE questionnaire’. Furthermore, an IPA analysis for a specific event was carried out. As our main findings, the most valued aspects perceived by consumers are the event atmosphere, security, event route, and convenience of bib collection and event day information. In conclusion, the IPA4RE can be used as a management tool by running event organizers to make more efficient use of their resources and provide a better experience to participants.
... Final system proven Applications of technologies in their final form are proven successful under all conditions. Market analysis Breedveld et al. (2015) calculated that runners in the EU-28 spent between € 8 -€ 11 billion yearly on related expenses (wearables, gear, apparel, races,…) 23 . Wearable technology is widely available, and numerous apps and sports watches provide standardized training schedules while connecting people in online communities. ...
... Final system proven Applications of technologies in their final form are proven successful under all conditions. Market analysis Breedveld et al. (2015) calculated that runners in the EU-28 spent between € 8 -€ 11 billion yearly on related expenses (wearables, gear, apparel, races,…) 23 . Wearable technology is widely available, and numerous apps and sports watches provide standardized training schedules while connecting people in online communities. ...
... However, social circumstances may unnecessarily hinder female performance [11]. For example, overall running event participation has been dominantly male [16]. In addition, the antiquated biases that were once widely accepted in most developed countries in the 1960s may still linger across societies today regarding women's athletic abilities, such as that long-distance endurance running is unhealthy and even harmful to the female anatomy [16]. ...
... For example, overall running event participation has been dominantly male [16]. In addition, the antiquated biases that were once widely accepted in most developed countries in the 1960s may still linger across societies today regarding women's athletic abilities, such as that long-distance endurance running is unhealthy and even harmful to the female anatomy [16]. Nowadays, running participation is reported as healthy for both sexes based on conclusive, detailed analyses [17][18][19][20]. ...
Sex differences in anatomy and physiology are the primary underlying factor for distinctions in running performance. Overall participation in recreational running events has been dominated by males, although increasing female participation has been reported in recent years. The NURMI study participants filled in a survey following the cross-sectional study design with questions on sociodemographic data, running and racing motivations, training behaviors, and racing history and experience. Data analysis included 141 female and 104 male participants aged 39 (IQR 17) with a healthy median BMI (21.7 kg/m²; IQR 3.5). Statistical analyses revealed sex differences with the males performing faster at half-marathon (p < 0.001) and marathon (p < 0.001) events but no difference at ultra-marathons (p = 0.760). Mediation analyses revealed no significant sex differences in the performance of half-marathon and marathon when considering training behaviors (p > 0.05), racing history (p > 0.05), or racing experience (p > 0.05). Differences in recreational performance may be more closely related to social constraints and expectations of females rather than the physiological advantages of the male athlete. Health professionals who guide and support recreational runners as well as the runners themselves and their coaches may benefit from this study’s results in order to improve the best time performance through a deeper understanding of the areas that mediate sex differences.
... 8 The number of people running grew almost exponentially in the last decade. 9 Following this trend, the amount of running-related injuries also increased, 9 which could be related to the fact that runners experience high-frequency loading at the lower limb joints. While some attempts have been made to link the impact of running to foot injuries, 10,11 a solid connection between them has not been established. ...
... 8 The number of people running grew almost exponentially in the last decade. 9 Following this trend, the amount of running-related injuries also increased, 9 which could be related to the fact that runners experience high-frequency loading at the lower limb joints. While some attempts have been made to link the impact of running to foot injuries, 10,11 a solid connection between them has not been established. ...
The number of people running has risen exponentially in the last decade, increasing the need for better research on running-related injuries, shoe construction and performance enhancement. Considering the key role of the ankle, the second most injured joint after the knee and the only link of the body to the ground, for human motion, the aim of this study is to provide a general overview of generic foot multibody models and their application to the analysis of ankle biomechanics during running. Searches for studies published until February 2021 were performed in scientific databases. The selected studies contemplated original foot multibody models and their running applications. Multibody models of the foot included kinematic and dynamic approaches with the foot being modelled by 3 to 26 segments. Some models have been used to understand the ankle biomechanics regarding running, but most considered only simplified models of the foot. Moreover, their application in the understanding of running mechanics is still very shallow, focusing mainly on the study of joint angle variation and ground reaction forces. This narrative review shows that detailed multibody models of the ankle, which represent its high complexity, are still scarce. An understanding of the different parameters that influence sports performance and injury prevalence has yet to be achieved. Future research should address these topics to create intervention strategies on injury prevention and to maximise sports performance.
... Running as a specific type of recreational sport offers a rich environment for studying non-use (and use) of technology for several reasons. First, internationally, running is one of the most popular forms of exercise (Scheerder and Breedveld 2015), which means that our target group of runners is not a marginal one. In addition, the range and variety of running-specific technology is significant: there are over 10,000 different wearable technologies designed for running alone (Aliverti, Evangelisti, and Angelucci 2022), and almost 90% of runners use a sports watch or smartphone app as part of their running hobby (Janssen et al. 2020; see also Pobiruchin et al. 2017). ...
The use of digital sports technology has become more the rule than the exception in digitalized societies. The normativity of technology use is also present in the research literature and there is only a little research on the non-use of technology. We see the non-use of technology as an active and conscious choice, reflecting people's relationship with digital society, with sport, and with themselves. We have limited the research context to recreational running, which, as a popular and highly technologized form of sport, offers a rich environment for research into the non-use of technology. Through an abductive analysis of the qualitative questionnaire data, we identified four partially overlapping themes: 1) Technology, and its use and non-use, are not categorical and binary things; 2) Non-use of technology as freedom; 3) The relationship between technology and the meanings attributed to running ; and 4) The material reasons for non-use of technology.
... This article contributes to addressing this need by providing a contextualized view of everyday data literacy. The context, recreational running, is a highly digitized and datafied form of a popular leisure sport (Scheerder & Breedveld, 2015). According to Janssen et al. (2020), 87 percent of runners who participate in events 2 use technology, with sports watches being the most common choice. ...
Data literacy is typically described in a decontextualized manner, and many data literacy frameworks are detached from the "messy" realities of everyday life. In the present study, we selected a specific context (recreational running), specific data technology (self-tracking devices), and specific viewpoint (accuracy of data and analyses) to construct a substantial theory of (one form of) contextual data literacy. The research question is: How does recreational runners' everyday data literacy appear in relation to the accuracy of measurements and analyses of self-tracking devices? Through an abductive analysis of qualitative survey data (N ¼ 1057), we identified the data literacy actions that runners engaged with when assessing the accuracy of data in relation to their subjective needs, objectives, and life situations. The first-order data literacy actions (comparison and evaluation) captured how runners assessed and analyzed the accuracy of data, and they took place mainly in the immediate context of running. The second-order data literacy actions (accept-ance, adaptation, and optimization) were the result of the runners' reflections on what they sought from running and how they valued data, as well as their broader life situation.
... There has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of participatory sport events since the 1970s (Scheerder et al., 2015). Compared with spectator sport events, participatory sport events often feature a larger number of attendees enjoying or celebrating an event with one another, which constitutes an essential prerequisite for cultivating socialization among event attendees (Chalip, 2017). ...
Purpose and research questions: The purpose of this study was to explore the sense of community (SOC) among participants of the 2020 Illinois Marathon Virtual Race. Two research questions were examined: (1) In what ways, if at all, might runners' SOC be created through participation in the virtual race? and (2) What challenges, if any, have runners faced in creating SOC through the virtual race? Method: Photo elicitation interviews were conducted with 20 virtual race participants in the United States. Data were analyzed through open/initial, focused, axial, and theoretical coding. Findings: Findings revealed participants' SOC was created through authenticity, theming, spectator support, and fulfillment of social needs. However, participants also faced challenges in creating SOC through the virtual race, such as having to take SOC into their own hands and receiving delayed gratification. Implications: Findings contribute to the literature on SOC in sport by examining the under-researched context of a virtual race. This study has practical implications related to organizing a cohesive virtual race that might produce SOC among participants. ARTICLE HISTORY
... Running is among the most popular types of exercise and physical activity in individuals who engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity (Dai et al., 2015). Furthermore, in terms of participation, running is one of the most popular workout activities on the planet (Lee et al., 2014;Scheerder et al., 2015). Running's popularity is most likely owing to its health benefits (Hespanhol Junior et al., 2015). ...
The current study intended to determine recreational runners' knowledge, attitude, and practices toward CSE to prevent LBP. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Two hundred fifty-seven recreational runners were chosen using a simple random sampling approach and administered with a semi-structured questionnaire to evaluate their KAP toward CSE. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS 28.0. Results: The correct response to the knowledge-related items in the questionnaire was from 65% to 91%. Precisely, 91.4% of study participants understood CSE. Furthermore, most participants showed a positive attitude toward CSE, considering that it is essential for running (79%), improving fitness (76%), reducing the risk of injuries (71%), and boosting their appearance (54%). Most participants (>85%) performed CSE for recommended frequency and duration to strengthen their core muscles and prevent LBP. The recreational runners had good practice toward CSE. Conclusion: Recreational runners possess adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and good practice toward CSE. This study suggested that motivational strategies and awareness programs can be conducted to improve recreational runners' KAP toward CSE preventing LBP.
... Moreover, the market size of the sports tourism industry increased by 15% annually from 2013 to 2018, e reaching CNY 260.5 billion in 2018 [6], although the sports tourism consumption market in developed countries such as Europe or the United States has seen rapid growth, accounting for about 14% of the market. The popularity of sports in informal settings has increased significantly over the years, as evidenced by the number and popularity of participatory sports events [7]. ...
People mostly engage in sports to participate in tourism activities, and it is therefore worthy of deep consideration why people are so enthusiastic and what their internal motivation is, especially in the context of the normalization of COVID-19 prevention. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-expressiveness and subjective well-being from the perspective of consumers in participatory sports events. Methods: We developed a self-expressive model for consumers in participatory sports events based on the eudaimonistic identity theory, taking samples of non-local individuals who participated in the Fuzhou International Marathon in 2021. Results: (1) Self-expressive model assumes that a consumer’s participation in sports activities is symbolic of their identity and status. (2) Consumers self-expressiveness relies on perceived difficulty of the activity, effort perception, importance perception, and potential for self-realization. (3) Self-expressiveness moderates the relationship between hedonic enjoyment and subjective well-being. As self-expressiveness is highly related to hedonic enjoyment, it plays an important role in personal happiness. Conclusions: (1) Sporting event managers should attach great importance to the formulation and implementation of self-expressive activities to enhance the events, encourage consumers to participate in competitions of medium difficulty, and absorb competitive alternatives or activities of different difficulty levels. (2) They should highlight the realization of the “ideal self” and pay attention to the skill-level training of consumers. (3) They should plan diversified target plans (entertainment, experience, or learning skills) to respond to consumers with different target orientations.
... R unning has grown in popularity in the past six decades because of its accessibility, major health benefits, and low cost (1,2). On the other hand, running poses a major injury risk, with injury prevalence numbers of 44.6% on average (3). ...
Purpose:
Patellofemoral pain syndrome and patellar tendinopathy are important running-related overuse injuries. This study investigated the interaction of running speed and step frequency alterations on peak and cumulative patellofemoral joint stress (PFJS) and patellar tendon force (PTF) parameters.
Methods:
Twelve healthy individuals completed an incremental running speed protocol on a treadmill at habitual, increased and decreased step frequency. Peak PFJS and PTF, peak rate of PFJS and PTF development and PFJS and PTF impulse per kilometre (km) were calculated using musculoskeletal modelling.
Results:
With increasing running speed, peak PFJS (p < 0.001) and PTF (p < 0.001) and peak rate of PFJS (p < 0.001) and PTF (p < 0.001) development increased, while PFJS (p < 0.001) and PTF (p < 0.001) impulse per km decreased. While increasing step frequency by 10%, the peak PFJS (p < 0.001) and PTF (p < 0.001) and the PFJS (p < 0.001) and PTF (p < 0.001) impulse per km decreased. No significant effect of step frequency alteration was found for the peak rate of PFJS (p = 0.008) and PTF (p = 0.213) development. A significant interaction effect was found for PFJS (p < 0.001) and PTF (p < 0.001) impulse per km suggesting that step frequency alteration was more effective at low running speed.
Conclusions:
The effectiveness of step frequency alteration on PFJS and PTF impulse per km is dependent on the running speed. With regard to peak PFJS and PTF, step frequency alteration is equally effective at low and high running speeds. Step frequency alteration was not effective for peak rate of PFJS and PTF development. These findings can assist the optimisation of patellofemoral joint and patellar tendon load management strategies.
... Many studies have been analyzing single large events in different countries such as the world's largest half-marathon, the 'Göteborgs Varvet' [31], the 'New York City Marathon' [1], [32], the 'Berlin Marathon' [33] or the 'Stockholm Marathon' [34] with a limited number of participants. At the European level, available data estimates that approximately 45-55 million people are involved in running [35], however no study has so far analyzed the running trends for several running distances and endurance events over a longer period of time for a single country. Switzerland, as being the world's fastest marathon nation [36] and showing one of the highest rates of sports practice in population throughout Europe, is well suited for this analysis. ...
BACKGROUND
Several single race events (5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, ultra-marathon) have been analyzed in multiple studies. It is known that 5 km and 10 km races attract many athletes with a focus on women and that the top finishers are getting faster in 10 km races, while younger runners were the fastest. Regarding half-marathon and marathon races there is a focus on male participants, with less but faster marathoners compared to half-marathoners. Across years, the sex difference in performance decreased in both races. In ultra-marathon, an increase in participation numbers as well as in performance has been detected, with a focus on male finishers. The performance gap between men and women seems to be stable. In summary, we have a lot of single study results, but not the running trends for several running distances over 20 years and in a whole country.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is therefore to examine 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon races by age, sex, participation numbers and performance during two decades (1999-2019) for one country (Switzerland).
METHODS
We analyzed 1,172,836 finishers (370,517 women and 802,319 men) competing between 1999 and 2019 in 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon running races held in Switzerland. We used online available data about the athletes and examined total finishing numbers, sex, age and performances. In ultra-marathons, we performed a linear model as sensitivity analyses for change in running speed. Do-not-finishers were excluded.
RESULTS
The most frequented race was the half-marathon (33.1% of finishers), the less frequented was the ultra-marathon distance (8.5% of finishers). In most recent years, only the number of finishers in ultra-marathon, especially in trail runs increased. In total, there were more male finishers (68.4 %) than female finishers (31.6 %) and only in 5 km races, more women finished than men (55.3%). Men were faster than women and both sexes were running slower in all race distances across years. Athletes in 10 km races had the best performance within the five analyzed race distances. Median age increased with longer race distance and decreased in ultra-marathon in recent years.
CONCLUSIONS
In summary, finishing numbers especially in ultra-marathons increased with a focus on trail runs, female and male athletes had a declining performance across years in all race distances and men ran faster than women. Median age increased with longer race distance and showed a downtrend only in ultra-marathon in recent years.
... Running is very common form of physical activity around the world, as demonstrated, for example, by the 15.5 million U.S. races completed in 2012 [1] and approximately 50 million people who are frequent long-distance runners in Europe [2]. Regular running provides numerous health benefits such as reduced total cardiovascular, cancer, neurological and infectious mortality [3], as well as reduced weight gain [4] and risk of cardiovascular disease [5]. ...
The rules governing mountain running force athletes to implement into their training programmes uphill and downhill running on unstable surfaces, which are demanding for hip and ankle as well as for the postural control system. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare highly trained mountain runners (MR) and recreational active non-runners (NR) on range of motion (ROM) and strength in the hip and ankle, as well as dynamic postural control. Thirty MR and thirty-two NR were included in the study. ROM was assessed using a digital inclinometer. Strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Postural control was evaluated using the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). The results showed that MR, in relation to NR, had statistically significant smaller hip external rotation ROM (p = 0.007), lower hip external rotator (p = 0.006) and extensor (p = 0.023) strength and greater normalised anterior reach in the YBT-LQ (p = 0.028). Mountain running training may reduce hip external rotation ROM as well as hip external rotator and extensor strength. Moreover, such training may improve postural control. MR should implement exercises targeted at developing hip ROM and strength. Furthermore, it seems that mountain running training may be a good way to improve postural control.
... an estimated fifty million Europeans are committed to the sport of running (Scheerder & Breedveld, 2015). People run for exercise and health purposes, to train for competitions, or just for the sole pleasure of running (Morin, 2018). ...
Running involves a cyclical series of impacts. Once gravity pulls us to earth, we apply a force on the ground that is met with an equal and opposite ground reaction force (GRF). GRF are a critical element acting on the joints of the lower limbs and the presence of fatigue has been shown to modify running biomechanics. This thesis aimed to identify, assess, and synthesize the current evidence on the effects of fatigue on GRF-related variables in long-distance runners. The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were consulted in July 2022, followed by a search within reference lists and expert suggestions. Eligibility criteria: health competitive or recreational long-distance runners, performing running before and after an exercise-based fatigue-inducing protocol, and assessing GRF-related variables during running using a treadmill or overground with a force plate. Twelve studies (n = 299 participants, 177 ♀ & ♂122) were included. There was considerable heterogeneity regarding age, competitive level, distances covered, nature of interventions, comparators, and the testing methods, which inhibited performing a meta-analysis. Moreover, the included studies investigated different GRF-related variables (e.g., loading rate, active peak force, and peak ankle plantarflexor). The GRF-related variables showed fatigue-related changes in eleven studies, but not all changes were significant. Most consistently across four of twelve studies, loading rate increased (p = .01; p = .06; p = .04; p = .008), and impact peak force (Fpeak) significantly decreased (p < 0.05; p = 0.31[ES 0.40]; p < 0.005) post-fatigue. Three studies provided data for peak plantarflexor moment and, a significant decrease was observed in one study following the long run (p < .001; d 4.93 and CI [10.40 - 15.96]). Risk of bias in the studies was moderate to high, and certainty of evidence was judged as very low. Currently, the effects of fatigue on GRF-related variables in long-distance runners are uncertain, and it is unclear to what extent they may affect performance. Further studies should examine homogeneous samples to perform sensitivity analyses and investigate the potential effects of fatigue-inducing protocols on the GRF.
Keywords: biomechanics; fatigue; ground reaction forces; kinetics; running.
... Running is a popular exercise worldwide, as it is simple, inexpensive, time-efficient, and easily available [1]. Particularly, the popularity of long-distance running has increased approximately 345% over the last 10 years, and this figure continues to rise [2]. ...
As a crucial and vulnerable component of the lower extremities, the medial gastrocnemius–Achilles tendon unit (gMTU) plays a significant role in sport performance and injury prevention during long-distance running. However, how habitual foot strike patterns influence the morphology of the gMTU remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of two main foot strike patterns on the morphological and mechanical characteristics of the gMTU. Long-distance male runners with habitual forefoot (FFS group, n = 10) and rearfoot strike patterns (RFS group, n = 10) and male non-runners (NR group, n = 10) were recruited. A Terason uSmart 3300 ultrasonography system was used to image the medial gastrocnemius (MG) and Achilles tendon, Image J software to analyze the morphology, and a dynamometer to determine plantar flexion torque during maximal voluntary isometric contractions. The participants first performed a 5-minute warm up; then, the morphological measurements of MG and AT were recorded in a static condition; finally, the MVICs test was conducted to investigate the mechanical function of the gMTU. One-way ANOVA and nonparametric tests were used for data analysis. The significance level was set at a p value of
... The results of the present study can be related to the American cultural and fitness revolutions of the 1960s and 1970s, which included a 'running boom' 13 . Specifically for the ultra-marathon races, a historical perspective ˗ the USA was one of the main ultra-marathon birthplaces around the world 31 -can influence the highest number of race events and athletes from these countries. ...
The purposes of this study were (i) to describe differences in participation in 100-mile ultra-marathons by continent; (ii) to investigate differences in performance between continents; and (iii) to identify the fastest runners by continent and country. Data from 148,169 athletes (119,408 men), aged 18–81 years, and finishers in a 100-miles ultra-marathon during 1870–2020 were investigated. Information about age, gender, origin, performance level (top three, top 10, top 100) was obtained. Kruskal–Wallis tests and linear regressions were performed. Athletes were mostly from America and Europe. A macro-analysis showed that the fastest men runners were from Africa, while the fastest women runners were from Europe and Africa. Women from Sweden, Hungary and Russia presented the best performances in the top three, top 10 and top 100. Men from Brazil, Russia and Lithuania were the fastest. The lowest performance and participation were observed for runners from Asia. In summary, in 100-miles ultra-marathon running, the majority of athletes were from America, but for both sexes and performance levels, the fastest runners were from Africa. On a country level, the fastest women were from Sweden, Hungary and Russia, while the fastest men were from Brazil, Russia and Lithuania.
... This study aimed to develop a brand personality scale for outdoor small scale running events. The running event market in European Union has been estimated in almost 50 million runners, who spend €9.6 billion per year (Scheerder, Breedveld, & Borgers, 2015). In a recent report, Andersen and Nikolova (2019) noted the mature phase of marathon events and the increasing proportions of local small scale events worldwide. ...
Outdoor small scale sport events like trail or local city running races are on a rise. Several event managers pivot their promotional strategies by developing unique brand personality characteristics to support their products from competition. This study aimed to develop a brand personality scale for outdoor small scale running events with the usage of mixed methods approach. First, 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted within event managers and trail runners to conceptualize the brand personality in small scale sport event settings. Then, an exploratory factor analysis was performed in 216 runners to identify the underlying construct. A third study with 396 respondents was carried out to validate the hypothesized scale. The results indicated a five factor model with seventeen characteristics: Safe, Local-oriented, Authentic, Competitive and Excited. This study has theoretical and practical significant contribution for both brand personality literature and sport event marketers as it strengths the promotional actions and provides a better event personality conceptualization for outdoor small scale events. Finally, several managerial implications are discussed in the later sections.
... Physical inactivity is one of the most significant contributors to the deterioration of health and wellbeing (Althoff et al., 2017;Kohl et al., 2012). As a convenient, comparatively low-cost and non-organized exercise for all ages (Hodgson & Hitchings, 2018;Janssen et al., 2017), running activity has become one of the most popular sport activities in Europe (Scheerder & Breedveld, 2015). Running exercise is beneficial to reduce risks of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and cancers, as well as boosting emotional wellness by releasing stress, avoiding cognitive decline and preventing memory disorders (Lee et al., 2017;Oja et al., 2017). ...
Understanding the influence of built environment on running behaviour is a significant step towards developing related landscape strategies. This paper adopted a volunteered geographic information (VGI) approach to measure urban runnability by quantifying environmental features that encourage or hinder running activities. The GPS-based routes collected from Strava were used to compute the running intensity of street segments in Helsinki, Finland. We applied multilevel regression models to assess the spatial-varied impacts of street environment on running intensity, so as to elicit runner's preferences and investigate their associations with sociodemographic characteristics at higher hierarchical level (neighbourhood). The results showed street greenery assessed by Green View Index (GVI) represented the greenness exposure to runners better than top-down greenness assessed by Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and thus can be considered as a more reliable predictor for running behaviours. Blue space density was the predominant factor and associated with running intensity positively. Running intensity negatively correlated with urban density, connectivity and traffic accidents, and positively correlated with traffic noise and air pollution. Population density and income level were positively associated with running intensity. These results provide profound insights and boost our capacity to design more attractive and sustainable streets for physical activity.
... Tout en gardant à l'esprit qu'il peut être périlleux de comparer les résultats d'enquêtes issues de différents programmes de recherche (Aubel et Lefèvre, 2015), différents travaux permettent d'esquisser les grandes lignes de la massification de la CAP. Scheerder et al. (2015) estiment à 50 millions le nombre de pratiquants dans l'Union européenne. En France, en 2010, la CAP figurait au cinquième rang des pratiques sportives déclarées (Mignon, 2016). ...
Les objets connectés (OC) proposant la collecte de données sur l’activité physique et sportive sont de plus en plus performants, accessibles et présents notamment en course à pied. Dans le même temps la question des usages des OC, des effets (empouvoirement v/s altération du rapport à l’activité) apparait. Cet article propose de se centrer sur les raisons qui poussent les coureuses à utiliser ou non des dispositifs numériques, décrire les modalités d’usage ainsi que la manière dont les coureuses à pied connectées composent avec, et rendre compte de ce que ces dispositifs leur font. Le terrain a été abordé à partir d’une méthode de recherche mixte combinant approches qualitatives et quantitatives. Les résultats rendent compte des usages (ou non-usages) spécifiques que font les coureuses à pied de leurs objets connectés, mais aussi des spécificités de cet usage en fonction de leur profil de coureuses et de leurs formes de pratique.
... A significant difference was found in this study in the proportions of race distance subgroups between the sexes, with the largest proportion of females being 10 km runners and a remarkably larger proportion of males being M or UM runners. Until recent years, female event participation in very long distances (HM, M, or UM) has been trailing that of males [35], and this result may be a reflection that this difference between the sexes has not been completely mitigated. Considering that the males were more heavily proportioned among the longer-distance racing subgroups (HM, M/UM), and that the previous literature has shown considerable variation in runner training behaviors based on this factor alone [15], it could be expected that there are significant critical sex differences in training behavior of endurance runners. ...
Training for running events is fundamental for successful participation in various running events such as 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, or ultra-marathon distances. Training behaviors are likely based on runner motivations and social constraints, particularly for females. Participants completed a questionnaire following a cross-sectional approach, including questions on sociodemographics, general training behaviors, and periodization training strategies. The final sample included 245 participants (141 females, 104 males), mostly from Germany (72%), Austria (18%), and Switzerland (5%), with a median age of 39 years (IQR 17) and a BMI of 21.7 kg/m² (IQR 3.5). Males more often trained alone and independently, whereas females were most likely to follow an external resource (p = 0.037). Non-parametric ANOVA revealed significant training differences between sexes in daily training mileages and durations at each phase and stage (p < 0.05) as well as in weekly training mileages and durations for general basic training and race-specific training (p < 0.05). Critical sex differences in training behaviors may arise from physiological differences and social expectations, which may be related to the distances they prefer to race at as well as their motivations for running and racing. This study provides a wide overview of training behaviors for endurance runners or professionals guiding healthy running performance.
... First, studies show that participation in individual exercise lifestyle pursuits, such as fitness and jogging, are up, while club sport is down. Such findings have been repeated in much of Europe (Scheerder & Breedveld, 2015), including Norway (Green, 2016) and ...
... Backed by a consequently increased health awareness, running has become a particularly popular recreational activity in our modern society. It requires little expertise and may be exercised in a variety of different environments [28]. Yet, while regular engagement in running activities may boost one's overall health status, lack of time, motivation or enthusiasm are often cited as significant adversaries [3]. ...
Physical activity is known to help improve and maintain one's health. In particular, recreational running has become increasingly popular in recent years. Yet, lack of motivation often interferes with people's routines and thus may prohibit regular uptake. This is where running tracking applications are frequently used to overcome one's weaker self and offer support. While technology artifacts, such as sport watches or running applications, usually count as extrinsic drivers, they can also impact one's intrinsic motivation levels. The aim of this study was thus to investigate upon the motivational impact of distinct features found within applications specifically used for running. Focusing on the 22 most famous running applications, a semi-structured, problem-centered interview study with $n=15$ recreational runners showed that intrinsic motivation is stimulated from diverting runners, aiding them in their goal setting, decreasing their efforts, improving and sharing their run performance, allowing them to receive acknowledgements, as well as providing them with guidance, information, and an overall variety in their training routines.
... Backed by a consequently increased health awareness, running has become a particularly popular recreational activity in our modern society. It requires little expertise and may be exercised in a variety of different environments [28]. Yet, while regular engagement in running activities may boost one's overall health status, lack of time, motivation or enthusiasm are often cited as significant adversaries [3]. ...
Physical activity is known to help improve and maintain one’s health. In particular, recreational running has become increasingly popular in recent years. Yet, lack of motivation often interferes with people’s routines and thus may prohibit regular uptake. This is where running tracking applications are frequently used to overcome one’s weaker self and offer support. While technology artifacts, such as sport watches or running applications, usually count as extrinsic drivers, they can also impact one’s intrinsic motivation levels. The aim of this study was thus to investigate upon the motivational impact of distinct features found within applications specifically used for running. Focusing on the 22 most famous running applications, a semi-structured, problem-centered interview study with n=15 recreational runners showed that intrinsic motivation is stimulated from diverting runners, aiding them in their goal setting, decreasing their efforts, improving and sharing their run performance, allowing them to receive acknowledgements, as well as providing them with guidance, information, and an overall variety in their training routines.
... Running is one of the most common ways to practice physical activity, and it is estimated that almost 50 million Europeans practice this sport to stay healthy [1]. The typical strike pattern among runners is the rearfoot, defined as a pattern where the runner contacts the ground with the lateral portion of the heel [2]. ...
Running is a physical activity and the investigation of its biomechanical aspects is crucial both to avoid injuries and enhance performance. Recreational runners may be liable to increased stress over the body, particularly to lower limb joints. This study investigates the different running patterns of recreational runners by analyzing characteristics of the footwear impact peak, spatiotemporal, and kinematic parameters among those that present with a peak impact and those that do not, with a 3D markerless system. Thirty recreational runners were divided into two groups: impact peak group (IP) (n = 16) and no impact peak group (n = 14) (n-IP). Kinematic and spatiotemporal parameters showed a large Cohen’s d effect size between the groups. The mean hip flexion was IP 40.40° versus n-IP 32.30° (d = −0.82). Hip extension was IP 30.20° versus n-IP 27.70° (d = −0.58), and ankle dorsiflexion was IP 20.80°, versus n-IP 13.37° (d = −1.17). Stride length was IP 117.90 cm versus n-IP 105.50 cm (d = −0.84). Steps per minute was IP group 170 spm, versus n-IP 163 spm (d = −0.51). The heel-to-toe drop was mainly 10–12 mm for the IP group and 4–6 mm for the n-IP group. Recreational runners whose hip extension is around 40°, ankle dorsiflexion around 20°, and initial foot contact around 14°, may be predisposed to the presence of an impact peak.
... Previous research indicates that all sports, even individualistic sports like running, are deeply socially structured (Scheerder et al., 2015). While it is possible to run alone and outside of any organization, many runners readily gather as members of formalized sports clubs, commercial gyms, or informal groups. ...
We examined how recreational runners benefit from running with others to maintain a consistent training regimen over time. We used data from the ABS project (“Always Keep Active”). Our sample consisted of more than 800 individuals who had registered to participate in the 2019 edition of the 7K or 15K Seven Hills Run (Nijmegen, The Netherlands) for the first time. Taking advantage of this three-wave, individual-level panel data, we found that increases over time in the number of co-runners (of any ability level) are related to increases in the number of weekly running sessions. The probability of turning up at the Seven Hills Run was positively related to the number of equally or less competent co-runners, and to the number with whom respondents also discussed important matters on a frequent basis. Our recreational athletes differed in the extent to which they expressed social motivations to run. However, among these athletes, the positive impact of sports partners on sport outcomes did not depend on the importance of social motives. Our study demonstrates that social networks play an important role in maintaining a consistent training habit and in reaching set goals (i.e., participating in a race).
... Running as a recreational activity is, after football, perhaps the most popular and convenient physical activity. Surveys indicate that approximately 65 million Americans (Statista, 2017) and 50 million Europeans (Breedveld et al., 2015) run regularly. Each year, more and more organized races appear. ...
One of the main policy objectives of many government Sports and Health Departments is to increase sports participation to promote citizens’ health and well-being. Running is, after football, perhaps the most popular physical activity. In recent years, studies analysing the effects of physical activity on an individual’s subjective well-being have been rare (Wiese et al. 2017), nor have been well established (Panza et al., 2019), and several gaps seem to exist in the literature (Dolan et al. 2008). The present study uses cluster analysis with the aim of identifying segments of runners based upon running involvement, loyalty to running and subjective well-being. A sample of 736 runners from one of Portugal's most popular athletics races completed a questionnaire, to assess, running involvement (centrality and attraction), loyalty to running, subjective well-being and socio-demographic variables. 52.9% of the respondents were men, and 47.1% were women. The number of clusters was determined using the Bayesian Information Criterion (Schwarz, 1978). Four significant clusters were identified, consisting of one (cluster 4) with relevant levels and another (cluster 2) with lower levels of subjective well-being. The main result showed that the cluster with the highest level of subjective well-being was not the group of runners with the highest level of loyalty to the race. Some clusters reflect relevant age and gender differences. The results allow us to draw an important conclusion: The need to design strategies based on the clusters identified to promote sports participation through running, with the aim of increasing running involvement and subjective well-being.
Uno de los principales objetivos de política de muchos departamentos gubernamentales de deporte y salud es aumentar la participación deportiva para promover la salud y el bienestar de los ciudadanos. En los últimos años, los estudios que analizan los efectos de la actividad física en el bienestar subjetivo de un individuo son raros (Wiese et al. 2017), no han sido bien establecidos (Panza et al., 2019) y varias lagunas parecen existir en la literatura (Dolan et al. 2008). El presente estudio utiliza el análisis de clusters con el objetivo de identificar segmentos de corredores basados en la implicación en la carrera, la lealtad a la carrera y el bienestar subjetivo. Una muestra de 736 corredores de una de las carreras de atletismo más populares de Portugal completó un cuestionario, evaluando, la implicación, la lealtad a la carrera, el bienestar subjetivo y las variables sociodemográficas. El 52,9% de los encuestados eran hombres y el 47,1% mujeres. El número de clusters se determinó utilizando el BIC (Schwarz, 1978). Se identificaron cuatro clusters significativos, reflejando, uno (grupo 4) niveles relevantes y el otro (grupo 2) los niveles más bajos de bienestar subjetivo. El principal resultado mostró que el clúster con el más alto nivel de bienestar subjetivo no era el grupo de corredores con el más alto nivel de lealtad a la carrera. Los resultados nos permiten sacar una gran conclusión: La necesidad de diseñar estrategias centradas en los clústeres identificados para promover la participación deportiva através prática da carrera y aumentar el bienestar subjetivo.
Um dos principais objetivos da política de muitos governos é aumentar a participação desportiva para promover a saúde e o bem-estar dos cidadãos. Estudos que analisaram os efeitos da atividade física sobre o bem-estar subjetivo dos indivíduos são raros (Wiese et al., 2017), não estão bem estabelecidos (Panza et al., 2019) e várias lacunas persistem (Dolan et al., 2008). O objetivo do artigo é identificar segmentos de corredores, através da análise de clusters, com base no envolvimento com a corrida, lealdade à corrida e bem-estar subjetivo dos corredores. Uma amostra de 736 corredores de uma das corridas de atletismo mais populares de Portugal respondeu a um questionário. Foram avaliados os constructos: envolvimento com a corrida (centralidade e atracção), lealdade à corrida, bem-estar subjetivo e variáveis sociodemográficas. 52,9% dos indivíduos eram homens e 47,1% eram mulheres. A identificação e o número de clusters foram obtidos usando o Bayesian Information Criterion. Foram identificados quatro clusters significativos, refletindo, um deles (cluster 4) níveis relevantes e outro (cluster 2) os níveis mais reduzidos de bem-estar subjetivo. O resultado principal mostrou que o cluster com o mais elevado nível de bem-estar subjetivo não foi o grupo dos corredores com maior nível de lealdade à corrida. Alguns clusters refletem diferenças relevantes de idade e género. Os resultados permitem tirar uma grande conclusão: A necessidade de desenhar estratégias focadas nos clusters identificados para promover a participação desportiva através da corrida, com o objetivo de elevar o envolvimento com a corrida e o bem-estar subjetivo dos indivíduos.
... Running has gradually become an important inquiry to public health researchers and policymakers since the late 1970s given its health-promoted benefits [1,2]. In particular, over the past one decade or so, scholars have shown growing interests in exploring the cultures of distance running and how they relate to the issues of health and wellbeing [3][4][5][6][7]. ...
This paper examines how spaces of health are produced through embodied and affective
practices in marathon running in China. While the social-cultural effects of distance running have gained increasing attention among public health scholars and policymakers, there has been little effort paid to the spatiality of running and its contributions to producing healthy spaces for the general public. This paper therefore fills the lacuna through a qualitative study that was conducted with 29 amateur marathon runners in China. Drawing on the Gioia Methodology in coding and analyzing qualitative data, we highlight the interactive effects of body, wearable technology, and affective atmospheres in producing what we call “embodied space of health.” We suggest that the embodied space of health is not simply the bodily experience per se but rather a relational space constituted through the co-production of body, non-human objects, and space/place. It is through these relational spaces that the effects of health and well-being (e.g., self-exploration and therapeutic feelings) emerge in marathon.
... However, it is also an activity with high discontinuity rates. Injuries and lack of motivation are common reasons for discontinuation of this Several countries have high participation rates in this physical activity (Deelen et al., 2019;Pedisic et al., 2019;Scheerder et al., 2015). In Brazil, since 1990, running has become popular with non-athletes, presenting an increase in the number of practitioners of 25% per year (Balbinotti et al., 2015). ...
Introduction: Running has proved to be one of the most popular physical activity with great benefits for the population health and psychological well being. However, it is also an activity with high discontinuity rates. Objective: The present study aimed was to verify if there are differences in the motivational dimensions by sex in a group of Brazilian amateur runners. Methods: Two hundred Brazilian runners (33.95 ± 11.38 years old), being 91 women and 109 men, answered The Inventory of Motivation to Regular Physical Activity and Sport (IMPRAFE-54). All volunteers practiced running on a regular basis. All participants answered the questionnaires before starting the training session. Results: The dimensions Pleasure and Health; Aesthetics, Sociability and Stress Control; and Competitiveness respectively were more important for the runners. It was found a significant difference (p<0.05), with a higher mean for men, on Sociability dimension. The dimensions statistically higher were Pleasure and Health, with a very similar motivational perception for both sexes. Only the Sociability dimension showed significant difference between men and women. All values of Mean’s Rank were superior in the men runners. Conclusions: The reasons for the practice of running between men and women Brazilian runners are similar. Only the Sociability dimension showed a significant difference by sex, indicating a higher perception of this dimension among men. Pleasure and Health were the most important factor in both sexes of Brazilian runners.
Running outdoor has a positive impact on human health. Study attempted to address the issue of what are other aspects motivating to take up running. We were particularly interested in the landscape. Goal was also to determine the landscape values of the competition routes, which determine their popularity. We conducted surveys among the participants of the runs and spatial analyzes using GIS tools. Great landscape values of running routes can contribute to the activation of running society, especially women and city dwellers. The high diversity of the landscape of the cross-country routes, especially in terms of their relief and land use, significantly affects their high landscape rating. Route profile and running challenges are as important as landscape values. The landscape that runners observe during long-distance runs affects their regeneration and motivates them to finish the competition. People want to run in a visually beautiful mountain and foothill landscape. This study illuminates how the enchanting tapestry of landscapes not only fuels the passion for outdoor running but also underscores the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings. The results enable us to establish the key principles for designing new running routes that support runners during their exertion.
Recent studies showed that female runners reduced the performance gap to male runners in
endurance running with increasing age and race distance. However, the investigated samples were
generally small. To investigate this further, the present study examined sex diferences by age
across various race distances (5, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon) using a large
dataset of over 1,100,000 race records from Switzerland over two decades (1999–2019). The study
explored performance and participation disparities between male and female runners by employing
diverse methods, such as descriptive statistics, histograms, scatter and line plots, correlations, and
a predictive machine learning model. The results showed that female runners were more prevalent
in shorter races (5, 10 km, half-marathon) and outnumbered male runners in 5 km races. However,
as the race distance increased, the male-to-female ratio declined. Notably, the performance gap
between sexes reduced with age until 70 years, after which it varied depending on the race distance.
Among participants over 75 years old, ultra-marathon running exhibited the smallest sex diference
in performance. Elderly female ultra-marathoners (75 years and older) displayed a performance
diference of less than 4% compared to male ultra-marathoners, which may be attributed to the
presence of highly selected outstanding female performers
The surface upon which running is performed has been suggested as a potential cause of many running-related injuries. It remains unclear, however, what effect surface compliance has on running biomechanics. This study aimed to investigate the effect of surface compliance on overground running biomechanics through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Using the PRISMA Protocols Statement, a search was conducted in three electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, EBSCO) using the following anchoring terms: running, overground surface, biomechanics, kinematics, tibial acceleration, pressure and force. Following de-duplication, title/abstract screening and full-text review, 25 articles (n = 492) were identified which met all inclusion criteria, 22 (n = 392) of which were subsequently included in quantitative synthesis. Random effects analysis found that peak tibial acceleration was significantly lower when running on softer surfaces (P = 0.01, Z = 2.51; SMD = -0.8; 95% CI =-1.42 to -0.18). However, peak vertical ground reaction force, loading rate and ground contact time were not significantly different when comparing hard and soft surfaces. Since peak tibial acceleration has been associated with an increased risk of tibial stress injuries, the results of this meta-analysis suggest that running on softer surfaces to reduce impact stress on the tibia is probably justified to lower the risk of running-related stress injuries.
Digitaalisen liikuntateknologian käytöstä on tullut 2020-luvulla enemmän sääntö kuin poikkeus Suomen kaltaisissa digitalisoituneissa yhteiskunnissa. Teknologian käytön normatiivisuus on läsnä myös tutkimuskirjallisuudessa, sillä liikuntateknologian käyttämättä jättämistä tarkasteleva tutkimus on vähäistä ja ihmiskuvaltaan yksipuolista. Tässä artikkelissa olemme valinneet hermeneuttisen eli ymmärtämään pyrkivän näkökulman liikuntateknologian käyttämättä jättämiseen ja näemme sen olevan aktiivinen ja tietoinen valinta, joka heijastaa ihmisen suhdetta digitalisoituneeseen yhteiskuntaan, liikuntaan sekä omaan itseensä. Liikuntalajien suhteen olemme rajanneet tutkimuskontekstiksi juoksun, joka yleisenä ja voimakkaasti teknologisoituneena liikuntamuotona tarjoaa rikkaan ympäristön teknologian käyttämättä jättämisen tutkimukselle. Laadullisen kyselyaineiston abduktiivisen analyysin kautta tunnistimme neljä osin toisiaan leikkaavaa teemaa: 1) Teknologia, sekä sen käyttö ja käyttämättä jättäminen eivät ole kategorista ja binäärisiä asioita; 2) Teknologian käyttämättä jättäminen vapautena; 3) Teknologian tarpeettomuus suhteessa juoksulle annettuihin merkityksiin ja 4) Teknologian käyttämättä jättämisen materiaaliset perusteet. Tutkimuksen tulokset tarjoavat juoksijoille, heidän kanssaan toimiville ammattilaisille, teknologian kehittäjille sekä tutkijoille käsitteellisiä työkaluja liikunnan ja teknologian suhteisuuden tarkastelemiseen.
The article is devoted to the problem of ensuring the quality of results in information processing systems, where some operations are performed with the involvement of people, interaction with whom is carried out via the Internet. Such systems are widely used in solving various tasks, but the involvement of a person in information processing tasks is associated with a set of fundamental limitations inherent in a person: low speed of information processing, the need for motivation, the possibility of errors or purposeful distortion of information. Thus, the development of methods and tools for managing the quality of results obtained with the help of such systems is an urgent task. The article proposes a model of data aggregation to improve the quality of results obtained using large-scale human-machine computing. The application of the model is considered by the example of solving the problem of marking and searching for images obtained as part of mass athletics events (runs). The assessment of the effect of aggregation is carried out on the basis of simulation modeling. The results of the study of the proposed approach have shown that integration is especially effective in conditions of poor-quality markup. However, even in conditions of high-quality markup, the use of aggregation allows you to increase the completeness of search results. In general, it can be concluded that the use of data aggregation in the processing of human-machine computing results is a promising approach, and the use of probabilistic graphical models for aggregation allows you to smoothly increase the accuracy of the results of the system with an increase in the amount of available information.
While intention is considered the proximal determinant of behaviour, scholars point to an intention–behaviour gap, calling for research that accounts for the environmental moderators that constrain or facilitate the intention–behaviour relationship. Adopting an ecological perspective, the study examined the potential moderating influence of five leisure constraints and facilitators on the running intention–behaviour relationship within the context of community running clubs. Employing a repeated measures design with members of four community running clubs across the Midwest United States, results of the multi-level modelling indicate running intentions and time significantly predict actual running behaviours. The findings provide no evidence that the leisure constraints and facilitators (leisure constraints, leader autonomy support, perceived motivational climate, club operations and club programmes) influenced the relationship between running intention and running behaviour. These results add further evidence to support the intention–behaviour relationship and suggest this relationship may fluctuate across contexts.
This study aims to investigate vegetarian and mixed diet type prevalences among distance runners at running events around the world and associations with running-related patterns and performance. Following a cross-sectional approach, linear regression analyses were carried out to identify potential associations among body mass index (BMI), diet type, and average best performance times of half-marathon and marathon events for males and females. From a sample of 3835 runners who completed an online questionnaire, 2864 all-distance runners (age: 37 years; 57% females) were included in inferential analyses and categorized into dietary subgroups according to self-reports: 994 vegans (34.7%), 598 vegetarians (20.9%), and 1272 omnivores (44.4%). Significant associations were identified between kind of diet and best average time to finish (i) half-marathons in females where vegans (p = 0.001) took longer than omnivores, (ii) half-marathons in males where vegans (p < 0.001) and vegetarians (p = 0.002) took longer than omnivores, and (iii) marathons in males where vegans (p < 0.001) and vegetarians (p = 0.043) averaged slower than omnivores. Increased units of BMI (+1.0) in males influenced best runtimes: 2.75 (3.22–2.27) min slower for HM and 5.5 (5.69–4.31) min slower for M. The present study did not take detailed confounders into account such as runner motives or training behaviors; however, the results may provide valuable insight for running event organizers, nutrition experts, coaches, and trainers advising runners who adhere to a general diet type regarding the basic question of who participates in running events around the world.
Nowadays, the growing popularity of distance running has been accompanied by the increasing prevalence of vegan and vegetarian diets, especially among endurance athletes. The present study aimed to examine the association between diet type and dietary intake of distance runners competing at distances longer than 10 km. From a total of 317 participants, 211 endurance runners (57% females) were considered the final sample after applying the exclusion criteria. Runners were assigned to three groups based on the self-reported diet types: 95 omnivores, 40 vegetarians, and 76 vegans. Data collection was conducted using an online survey with questions about sociodemographic information, dietary intake, and dietary-associated motives. A comprehensive food frequency questionnaire with 53 food groups (categorized in 14 basic—plus three umbrella—food clusters) was used to assess dietary intake. Vegan runners had a higher intake of “beans and seeds”, “fruit and vegetables”, and “dairy alternatives”, as well as lower intakes of “oils” than other two groups. Vegetarian runners had a lower intake of “dairy products” and “eggs” than omnivores. A greater intake of “alcohol” and a lower intake of “meat alternatives” was observed in omnivorous runners compared to vegans and vegetarians. Despite the existence of a tendency toward the consumption of health-related food clusters by vegan runners, further investigations are needed to verify the predominance of vegans in health-oriented dietary patterns.
This study aims to investigate the fear or failure (FoF) in Brazilian runners of both sex, performance levels and age categories, as well as to verify the relationship between FoF and socioeconomic status (SES). Sample size as composed by 916. Age, sex, body height, body weight, SES, and running pace were self-reported. The Multidimensional Questionnaire of FoF was applied in an online platform. Running pace, and SES were categorized and processed through multivariate analysis and Spearman correlations, with the p-value set at 0.05. Female runners with better performance (2.13 ± 0.74) and younger (2.16 ± 0.80), as a well as male runners with worse performance (2.04 ± 0.69) and older (2.04 ± 0.89) presented the highest values of FoF. Among women, SES was negatively associated with FoF (r = -0.144; p = 0.006), while a positive association between running pace and SES was observed among men (r = 0.290; p < 0.001). Non-professional Brazilian runners presented low values of FoF.
The theory of urban populations (D’Ovidio & Nuvolati, 2011; Martinotti, 1993) and their classification are a consolidated theme of sociology that has contributed to deepening the sociology of lifestyle studies. More generally, the study of the sport in the city constitutes an essential area of knowledge of the change in urban lifestyles, whether you are talking about sports or talking about enjoying the sports show (Gratton & Henry, 2001; Wilcox et al., 2003)
Aging usually involves major changes in roles and social status. The adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, which causes loneliness, depression, and a variety of diseases, is the greatest health risk for older adult. However, persuading an older adult to participate in daily physical activity is not always an easy task. Exergame is a compelling approach to encourage the physical activity of older adults. With the growing power of mobile devices, Mobile Exergaming can now be used to encourage physical activity as well. This paper presents an outcome of a literature review conducted in SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The review is driven by the PRISMA Statement review method. As a result, this paper also proposes a personalized-persuasive mobile exergame design model to encourage physical activities for older adults.
Accompanied by the growing popularity of distance running, the prevalence of vegan and vegetarian diets in endurance runners has increased across the globe and especially in German-speaking (D-A-CH: Germany, Austria, Switzerland) countries. The present study aimed to investigate and compare the epidemiological characteristics associated with diet types and running behaviors of recreational endurance runners. From a total number of 7422 runners who started to fill in the online survey, 3835 runners completed the questionnaire. After data clearance, 2455 distance runners (mean age: 37 years; 56% females, 44% males) were selected as the final sample and classified as 1162 omnivores (47.4%), 529 vegetarians (21.5%), and 764 vegans (31.1%). Sociodemographic information and general characteristics in training and competition were evaluated using a questionnaire-based approach. A significant association was found between diet type and race distance (p < 0.001). In females, vegan ultra-marathoners and omnivorous half-marathoners had better individual running records among dietary groups. Sex differences in running performance had a minimizing trend with increasing race distance. Most runners reported independent race preparation (90%) over less than four months (73%). From an epidemiological viewpoint, the present findings suggest a central role of plant-based diets in running performance and behaviors among active distance runners in D-A-CH countries and that vegetarian and vegan diets are compatible with competitive running.
Running surrounded by nature at night, often with limited contact with other people, is one of the safest physical activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this article is to determine what motivates night recreational runners and to analyse the differences between men and women according to age, and also to see whether the fact of having had COVID-19 or not matters when it comes to athletes’ motivation behind participating in runs. Runners were also asked about participating in cities or out-of-town events in terms of verifying the cleanliness of the air before running, using masks or running in green areas. 233 individuals in total participated in this descriptive, quantitative, cross-sectional study. The questionnaire uses the division of motives used in the Marathon Motivation Scale (MOMS) and a number of additional questions on environmental factors. Overall, the main motivation that drives night-time runners is health orientation, weight concern, personal goal achievement, psychological coping, life meaning and self-esteem. The research also showed higher scores for health orientation, recognition, psychological coping, life meaning and self-esteem among runners who had had COVID-19 than runners who had not had the virus. In addition, respondents clearly indicated that night running makes it easier to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep. Most runners rated their mental health as being good, did not run in the morning despite better air levels, did not choose running events outside the urban area and did not check the air quality index before running. Therefore, it will be important for coaches, event organisers and other professionals to consider athletes’ age, gender, whether they have had COVID-19 and runners’ approaches to eco-attitudes when trying to understand their reasons for participating in different sports or leisure events, especially those that focus on a priority in shaping environmental attitudes.
This study identified helpful and unhelpful encouragement at mass participation running events and explored the meaning that runners found in encouragement. First, 10 k and half-marathon postevent surveys differentiated instructional and motivational components of helpful and unhelpful support. Second, an inductive, reflexive thematic analysis of 14 interviews highlighted the reciprocal relationship between the crowd and runners, whereby quality of support was reflected in runners’ emotions and behavior. Participants drew pride in participation and belief from the crowd, and they wanted to “give back” through doing their best. Personal and authentic support was particularly valued. Although support was widely appreciated, at times it created a pressure to “perform.” As a novel intervention based on our combined findings, we recommend that crowds, event organizers, and psyching teams give encouragement “with IMPACT” (Instructional; Motivational; Personalized; Authentic; Confidence-building; Tailored to the distance). Crowds should also demonstrate the “core conditions” of authenticity, empathy, and being nonjudgmental within their encouragement.
The concept of “social affordances” is commonly used in HCI research. However, the advantages and limitations associated with
employing the concept are yet to be fully understood. This paper presents a critical examination of “social affordances”, which
includes a discussion of current uses of the concept in HCI and a comparison of “social affordances” with more traditional
interpretations of “affordances”. We argue that making full use of “social affordances” as an analytical tool in HCI requires an
unpacking of the relationship between perceiving a potential action, supported by the environment, and utilizing the potential
and actually carrying out the action. We also argue that in case of “social affordances” it is particularly apparent that the
perception of an affordance does not automatically result in a problem-free execution of the respective action, and needs to be
integrated with other processes within the overall structure of action regulation. We propose a tentative framework for the
analysis of the interplay between perception and action in the enactment of social affordances. Implications of the framework for
employing the concept of social affordances in HCI research are discussed
El deporte ecuestre sigue creciendo en popularidad, pero las investigaciones anteriores se
refieren, por un lado, a las barreras relacionadas con las lesiones asociadas a este deporte, y
por otro, a los beneficios de la equitación terapéutica para personas con discapacidad
(MacKinnon & Laliberte, 1995). No existen muchos estudios acerca los beneficios para la
salud y las barreras para la participación de las personas que no padecen estos trastornos
(Koca, 2016). El propósito de analizar las relaciones causa-efecto de las mujeres que
practican equitación, es comprender los niveles en los que la salud se ve afectada,
abarcando el cuerpo y la mente de las participantes. 2540 mujeres jinetes (1827 amateurs y
713 profesionales) completaron el EBBS (Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale) (Sechrist et al.,
1987) el cual consta de 43 ítems, 29 ítems del constructo de beneficios y 14 ítems bajo el
constructo barreras. Los beneficios para la salud con mayor puntuación media son: mejora
de vida, rendimiento físico, interacción social y salud preventiva. En lo referido a las
barreras: gasto de tiempo, esfuerzo físico, entorno de ejercicio y desánimo familiar.
Existen fuertes correlaciones positivas entre casi todos los beneficios estando menos
conectados rendimiento físico e interacción social. A diferencia de los beneficios, las
barreras tienen muy poca correlación entre sí, y son casi independientes unas de otras.
Entre las barreras y los beneficios hay correlaciones muy pequeñas o nulas. Respecto a la
diferencia entre jinetes profesionales y amateurs, en los beneficios los profesionales
obtienen mayores puntuaciones en esfuerzo físico y los amateurs en salud preventiva. En lo que respecta a las barreras, las jinetes profesionales puntúan más alto en gasto de tiempo y
las amateurs en entorno de ejercicio y desánimo familiar. Una conclusión importante es
que las participantes obtuvieron impacto positivo en el constructo beneficios para la salud.
Recreational running, or jogging has increased in recent years, becoming a global
phenomenon (Scheerder et al., 2015). However, due to busy schedules and personal
reasons, some of the participants tend to practice physical activity in the evening (Saleh et
al., 2019). Despite amateur runners’ reason to participate has been widely analyzed, night
runners’ motivational aspects remain unclear. Therefore, the aim of this research was to
analyze night amateur athletes’ motivation to run. Data from 233 participants (52.8% male
and 47.2% female) was collected, and to assess night runners’ motivations, the Polish
translation of the motivations of marathoners’ scales (MOMS) created by Masters and
Ogles was used (Dybała, 2013). Descriptive and relational statistics were carried out and
results showed that five out of nine dimensions of MONS scale showed statistical
differences gender wise (p < 0.001). Female scored higher in motivations related to weight
concern, while male scored significantly higher in personal goal achievement, competition,
recognition, and affiliation reasons to participate. Partially in concordance with previous
research, we conclude that male night runners’ motivation is related to performance
aspects (personal goal achievement and competition), and social aspects (recognition and
affiliation), while female night runners show a higher motivation to run related to weight concern than male athletes. In conclusion, these results should be taken into account when
promoting active lifestyles and night running participation.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.