Development Of Running Races And Theirs Attendance: A Study Of Hradec Králové

Abstract

Running races appeal to both professionals and amateurs and they can give an opportunity for personal development. The study examines how the number of running races held in Hradec Králové and the number of participants developed in time and what are the major characteristics of runners. The purpose of the study is to describe and analyse the development of number of long-distance running races and their attendance in the tourist region of Hradecko in the period of five years (2013 -2017) and to describe the major characteristics of participants of OlfinCar Half Marathon and ČSOB Marathon of Hradec Králové. Main methods of data collection were questionnaire, interview and content analysis. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the selected 308 participants of OlfinCar Half Marathon and ČSOB Marathon 2016. Major participant's characteristics were described with focus on performance level, motivation and use of basic tourist services. In the given period there was the overall increase both in the number of long-distance running races (by 114 %) and participants (by 118 %). The results of the questionnaire survey provided major participant's characteristics. There were 61.2% amateur runners of performance level, 33.8% amateur beginners and only 5% professionals. Among the most frequent motives there were course, setting and atmosphere. Running has been popular in recent years. An increase in people engaged in running as their leisure time activity can be seen in the Czech Republic. This is supported by the findings of the study of Hradec Králové.

Use of fitness trackers in a blended learning model to personalize fitness running lessons

“…Running has been popular in recent years and participation in distance running has grown (Deaner, 2013;Hanc, 2008). Increase in the number of people engaged in running can also be seen in the Czech Republic, in the case of Hradec Kralove (Hrušová, 2018). Running provides an opportunity for personal development in various aspects.…”