The Impact of Modern Ultramarathons on Shaping the Social Identity of Runners. The Case Study of Karkonosze Winter Ultramarathon

Abstract

Despite the growing interest in extreme sports around the world, researchers have rarely investigated the complex factors that have led to a developed commitment to extreme sports in recent years. Precisely, the social identity of ultramarathoners remains a research niche. The aim of the article is to analyze the impact of a sports event on shaping social identity of ultramarathon runners on the example of Karkonosze Winter Ultramarathon (held in Poland). The qualitative method used in the article-interviews with runners-made it possible to examine the factors that create social identity, among which the motives for participation, sports subculture, and the authenticity of the experience play a key role. The first part of the article describes the theoretical aspects of social identity in sport. The second, empirical part presents the research results supplemented by the statements of the contestants. In this case, the subject of analysis is the motives for participation in a winter ultramarathon and their characteristics. Lastly, the article analyzes the subculture of ultramarathoners and the experience of contestants' authenticity. The investigated winter ultramarathon created the perfect space for creation, deepening and celebrating the social identity of ultramarathoners assessed as a value in itself. The article enriches the present knowledge about the motivation of ultramarathoners because, unlike the results of quantitative research, it presents in-depth responses of runners who were not always concerned by existing research questionnaires.

On the Way to the Marathon—Motivation for Participating in Mass Running Events Among Children and Adolescents: Results of the Poznan Half Marathon Pilot Study

“…According to Cope et al, children’s participation in sport is motivated by five primary factors: perception of competence, fun and enjoyment, parents, learning new skills, and friends [ 25 ]. However, in our study, the social motives proved to be the least important (although social motives were important for adult runners in previous studies, e.g., [ 5 , 26 ]). The findings from studies into sports motivation among 11–15-year-old school children in Scandinavia suggest that social, fun and health motives are perceived as being the main motivation for sports participation.…”

Do Years of Running Experience Influence the Motivations of Amateur Marathon Athletes?

“…They have been analysed as a stimulator of touristic development [46]. Not only motivations of runners [47], but also running supporters have been examined [48], as has the impact of running events on the local community [49]. Malchrowicz-Mośko et al, (2018) also determined what impact achieving a self-set sports goal had on the level of satisfaction with running in a half-marathon.…”

The Impact of Family Life and Marital Status on the Motivations of Ultramarathoners: The Karkonosze Winter Ultramarathon Case Study

“…For long-distance runners, completing an ultramarathon means not only participation in a running event, but above all, a long-lasting physical and mental preparation process. The decision to participate in an ultramarathon usually means entering the subculture of runners and adopting a new social identity, which is very important for ultra-marathoners [ 2 ]. Participation in long-distance running meets the criteria of serious leisure [ 3 ], not temporary entertainment.…”