Differences in race history by distance of recreational endurance runners from The NURMI Study (Step 2)

Abstract

Few studies were developed to understand the relationship between running characteristics and motivation. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between running event history, running experience, and best race performances in recreational distance runners. We used a web survey to obtain information regarding running experience, racing history, and periodization training routines/exercise habits, including weekly volumes and daily mileage and duration across periods and conditions. Associations between variables were conducted with the Chi-square test (χ2; nominal scale) and Wilcoxon test. Multiple linear regression analysis and multivariate linear regression were performed. Concerning the participants’ motive for exercising, a significant difference was identified between the race distance subgroups (p < 0.001), where 58% of M/UM runners exercised for performance (n = 38) and 64% of HM runners (n = 57) and 57% of 10 km runners (n = 52) exercised for recreational purposes. A significant difference was found in the number of years of running completed without taking a break (p = 0.004), with marathoners/ultramarathoners reporting the most years. Runners competing in different race distances such as 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon presented differences in training background and habits according to the distance of preference.

Differences in training characteristics of recreational endurance runners by race distance – results from the NURMI Study (Step 2)

“…Concerning the runners’ civil status, no significant difference was found for race distance ( p = 0.744): 66 (27%) were single, 164 (67%) were married (or living with their spouse), and 15 (6%) participants were divorced or separated. Characteristics of the distance runners are provided in Table 1 , and further specifics of these participants are given in the Part B arrangement ( Knechtle et al, 2023 ).…”

“…The shortest ultra-marathon distance reported was 50 km, and the longest distance reported was 160 km. In addition, the interested reader is kindly directed to the sequential Part B paper and the associations of training and exercise routines with race performances ( Knechtle et al, 2023 ).…”