Abstract
Analysis of the general role of tradition formed wider theoretical background of the paper. We used hermeneutic analysis to interpret this role. We attempled to formulate own definition of tradition using the term of social time. Well-known world competitions served as an example of power of tradition in the field of sport. Special attention was paid to the Olympic movement and two parallel but different inspirations from the heritage of the ancient Olympism in the case of the Sokol sports and social movement and the Modern Olympics. In a longitudinal study we researched a group of runners who participated repeatedly in the 10K Czech race “Běchovice – Praha”. It was founded in 1897 and has been held each consecutive year. Our aim was to illustrate how the tradition of one race can engage runners in lifelong physical activities. We found 322 runners who participated 20 times and more. Constancy of the route, non-stop organizing, engagement of the whole families, celebrations of anniversaries, and wider publicity were found to be factors in building loyalty to the race. We discussed some aspects of comparison with similar studies as well. Particular attention was paid to the Boston Marathon and especially to means of supporting loyalty of runners.
Highlights
Various academic disciplines use the word tradition in a variety of ways
In 1922 the first race for “veterans” was organized. This became a regular occurrence in the key anniversary years and since 1956, regular races for race veterans have been organized
We spoke a lot of tradition of the Olympic Games and the differences in progression between the ancient traditions of Coubertin’s Olympism and those of the Sokol
Summary
Various academic disciplines use the word tradition in a variety of ways. According to the universally accepted definition of sociologist Edward Shils, “tradition is anything which is transmitted or handed down from the past to the present ...” (Shils, 1981, p. 12). How important role can tradition play in the field of sport? We decided to combine two approaches: a philosophical one interpreting the role of tradition both in general and in the field of sports, and a descriptive statistical one following a special group of runners participating at one race with a long tradition over a long period. In 1922 (the race’s 25th anniversary) the first race for “veterans” was organized This became a regular occurrence in the key anniversary years and since 1956, regular races for race veterans have been organized. Since this time, the run has opened for all levels of performance (the only limitation is a finish time under two hours). It is necessary to say that the route is very hilly and it is not possible to run it without good training ahead of time
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