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Environmental Preferences and Concerns of Recreational Road Runners

Author

Listed:
  • Nadine Schuurman

    (Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada)

  • Leah Rosenkrantz

    (Faculty of Environment, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada)

  • Scott A. Lear

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada)

Abstract

Recreational road running is growing in popularity and has been linked to numerous mental and physical health benefits. However, we know little about what environmental preferences or concerns runners have regarding participation in the sport, and whether differences exist across age and gender. We conducted a cross-sectional survey on recreational road runners to investigate the type of built and natural environments road runners prefer, as well as the safety and health concerns that may affect runners’ choice of environment. Responses were analyzed by age and gender. A total of 1228 road runners responded to the survey; 59.6% of respondents were women and 32.1% of respondents were men. Most respondents preferred to run on asphalt or sidewalk surfaces, and preferred well-lit, tree-lined routes. Major concerns for both men and women include animals and dangerous road conditions. Men and women differed significantly in their responses to the importance of running around others and their primary concerns while running. Results of this study serve to deepen our understanding of recreational road runners’ environmental preferences and concerns, providing valuable information for public health officials and city planners alike. This information must be considered if we are to continue to encourage uptake of running as a sport and reap its health effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Nadine Schuurman & Leah Rosenkrantz & Scott A. Lear, 2021. "Environmental Preferences and Concerns of Recreational Road Runners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6268-:d:572193
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Grazia Salvo & Bonnie M. Lashewicz & Patricia K. Doyle-Baker & Gavin R. McCormack, 2018. "Neighbourhood Built Environment Influences on Physical Activity among Adults: A Systematized Review of Qualitative Evidence," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-21, May.
    2. Freya Oswald & Jennifer Campbell & Chloë Williamson & Justin Richards & Paul Kelly, 2020. "A Scoping Review of the Relationship between Running and Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-39, November.
    3. Sallis, James F & Bull, Fiona & Burdett, Ricky & Frank, Lawrence D. & Griffiths, Peter & Giles-Corti, Billie & Stevenson, Mark, 2016. "Use of science to guide city planning policy and practice: how to achieve healthy and sustainable future cities," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 68652, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    4. Arne Arnberger & Renate Eder, 2011. "The influence of age on recreational trail preferences of urban green-space visitors: a discrete choice experiment with digitally calibrated images," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 54(7), pages 891-908, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Junqi Chen & Zheng Tao & Wenrui Wu & Ling Wang & Dan Chen, 2024. "Influence of Urban Park Pathway Features on the Density and Intensity of Walking and Running Activities: A Case Study of Shanghai City," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-25, January.
    2. Leah Rosenkrantz & Nadine Schuurman & Scott A. Lear, 2024. "Environmental Preferences and Concerns of Recreational Trail Runners," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(1), pages 1-14, January.
    3. Angeliki T. Paraskevopoulou & Marina Chletsou & Chrysovalantis Malesios, 2022. "Runners Experience Lower Heart Rate, Increased Speed, and Joy/Calm on Routes with Trees, by the Sea and through Parks: Implications for Climate Change Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-27, December.
    4. Stella R. Harden & Nadine Schuurman & Peter Keller & Scott A. Lear, 2022. "Neighborhood Characteristics Associated with Running in Metro Vancouver: A Preliminary Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, November.

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