The profile of demographics, training habits, and health of recreational trail runners: a comparative study among different distances

Abstract

Purpose. Despite considerable growth of trail runners' population, little is known about the demographics, training habits, and health characteristics of recreational trail runners. thus, the aim of this study was to describe the demographics, training habits, and health characteristics of recreational trail runners as compared between different distances of Circuito trilhas & Montanhas. Methods. the descriptive transversal study involved 167 trail runners of Circuito trilhas & Montanhas. A questionnaire concerning trail-running practice was applied and the chosen route (short/medium/long) was recorded. Results. the trail runners were mostly young athletes (40 years old, 51.5%), males (66.5%), bachelors (56.3%), and married or in a committed relationship (58.1%). Most of the long distance trail runners were significantly more experienced (p = 0.001; = 0.230), ran 10-20 km per training (p < 0.001; = 0.535), participated in club sport (p = 0.004; = 0.257), and used safety equipment (p = 0.011; = 0.233) compared with the other distances. the chosen course was not associated with the health status (p = 0.385), but the presence of diseases was significantly reported by most of the short distance trail runners (p = 0.023; = 0.213). Conclusions. the recreational trail runners participating in this study are predominantly young, well-educated, and married. Most long distance trail runners were more experienced, ran average distances per training, participated in club sport, and used safety equipment compared with the other distances. Moreover, trail runners with any diseases ran in short distances.