抄録
This study aimed to clarify the perceptions of recreational runners from their regular running activities to participating in running events. An interview survey was conducted on 12 men and women ranging in age between 20s to 40s who have continued running at least once a week for over a year. The focus was on motivations, continuation factors, running difficulties, event participation motives, and participation intentions. It used the SCAT analysis for content extraction and the Self-Determination Theory (SDT) for interpretation. It was found that “the presence of others” was cited as a trigger for starting regular running activities, indicating that “external regulation” among extrinsic motivations was involved. Regarding the factors for continuation, “the acquisition of effects and benefits” such as stress relief was the main factor, and it is considered that “identified regulation” was involved. In terms of competition participation, “the presence of others” also became a motivation, with “external regulation” influencing, but the intention to participate mentioned “verification of running ability” and “enjoyment as leisure.” This might suggest that psychological needs related to “competence,” “autonomy,” and “relatedness” are fulfilled. Thus, it is considered that the internalization of extrinsic motivations occurs in each process from the regular running activities of recreational runners to participating in running events. It suggests this cycle is linked to the establishment of running activities and the promotion of competition participation among recreational runners. Additionally, it highlighted the potential constraint of running ability in longer races like half or full marathons, emphasizing the importance of facilitating participation in events suited to abilities developed through regular activities, such as 5km or 10km events, for future initiatives.
