An investigation of municipal park and/or recreation department-organized running races in the United States

Abstract

This nationwide survey identified and described municipal park and/or recreation department-organized running races implemented within incorporated places ranging from 70,000 to 80,000 in population. Furthermore, this study identified on a national basis, selected running race elements associated with the cited population. This study identified selected running race elements which pertained to participation numbers, medical services, registration processes, pre-/post-race activities, scoring and timing and program budgeting. Survey data was collected through the use of a questionnaire format. A preliminary questionnaire was sent to each agency within the cited population (N=50) to identify municipal park and/or recreation departments which organized a running race to describe general departmental characteristics. The return rate of completed preliminary questionnaires was 41/50 or 82% of the sample population. Each site identified as a municipal park and/or recreation department which organized a running race (N=l6) received a supplemental questionnaire to describe selected running race elements pertaining to their major race (largest participant number). The return rate of the supplemental questionnaire was 14/16 or 87.5%. Analysis of data was based on percentage (frequency of response). Each site identified as a municipal park and/or recreation department which organized a running race was examined for uniqueness or similarity in responses in relation to the other representative sites.