Abstract
This study examined the enhancement of experiential value for participants in triathlon events, focusing on
LAKE BIWA TRIATHLON 2024. The study aimed to identify factors affecting participation decisions, analyze
elements influencing repeat participation intention, and investigate the structure of emotional experiences.
Through a survey of 294 participants (response and agree rate: 35.2%), the analysis revealed that participation
decisions were primarily influenced by accessibility (24.3%), the challenge of middle-distance competition
(17.3%), and Lake Biwa’s environmental characteristics (12.7%). One-way analysis of variance on 21
operational and service elements identified participation fee (η² = 0.172, p < 0.001) and post-finish hospitality
(η² = 0.143, p < 0.001) as the strongest factors affecting repeat participation intention. Investigation of 19
emotional experience elements showed that interaction with Lake Biwa’s natural environment constituted a
significant emotional experience alongside the sense of achievement at the finish line. Notably, Lake Biwa, as
a regional resource, played a significant role as a participation motivation and an element of emotional
experience. These findings suggest the importance of balancing practical factors, competitive elements, and
experiential aspects for sustainable triathlon event operations. The cancellation of the swimming segment and
replacing it with a duathlon format might have influenced participants’ emotional experiences and the factors
associated with their motivation.
