Mountain Running Research Articles

Motivations behind Active Sport Tourists Participating in Natural and Cultural Landscapes

Recreational running, both on roads and in mountains, is one of the most practiced physical activities worldwide, and so, the motivations behind participating have been quite extensively described in the literature. However, the cultural and environmental motivations behind these athletes traveling to other countries or destinations to compete have not been properly addressed yet. The aim of this research is to analyze the motivations of sport tourists and to compare the motivations that cause mountain runners and city runners to compete. A cross-sectional study with a total of 244 athletes, divided into a group of city marathon runners (N = 118) and a group of mountain ultra-marathon runners (N = 126), was conducted. Athletes completed the Sports Tourism Motivation Scale (STMS), composed of 37 items and nine dimensions, through an online survey. Participants were asked questions related to their age, running experience, distance to events, numbers of nights in hotels and volunteering. The results showed that there were statistically significant differences in four out of the nine dimensions of the STMS between city and mountain runners’ motivations and, likewise, statistical differences were found in some dimensions of the scale related to participants’ sex, age, running experience, numbers of nights in a hotel, travel distance and volunteering. In conclusion, the reasons why runners participate in mountain and city running events are different; likewise, some sociodemographic variables should be taken into account when organizing such sporting events in a sustainable way, in order to provide organizers with the most suitable information and attract the most participants.

Assessment of Nutritional Practices of Mountain Runners before and during Competitions.

Mountain running, distinct from traditional road running, involves natural trails with significant elevation changes. This study aims to analyze dietary and supplementation practices among advanced and elite Polish mountain runners. Conducted from May to October 2023, this study included 36 participants (13 women, 23 men) aged 21-43 years. A custom questionnaire assessed nutrition two days before and during a competition, focusing on macronutrient intake, hydration, and supplementation. Statistical analyses were performed to compare advanced and elite athletes. Participants consumed an average of 3164.14 kcal two days before and 3176.97 kcal the day before the competition. Carbohydrate intake averaged 7.69 g/kg two days before and 7.64 g/kg the day before the race, potentially insufficient for optimal glycogen stores. Protein intake was adequate, averaging 1.63 g/kg two days before and 1.73 g/kg the day before the race. Fluid intake averaged 2811.25 mL two days before and 2891.80 mL the day before the race. During races, carbohydrate intake averaged 58.56 g/h, with variations based on race duration. Most participants used isotonic drinks and water for hydration. Mountain runners generally adhere to proper nutrition guidelines, with adequate protein and fluid intake. However, their carbohydrate intake may be insufficient for longer races. Higher carbohydrate intake during exercise could provide additional benefits.

Effect of Single High-Dose Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Post-Ultra Mountain Running Heart Damage and Iron Metabolism Changes: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

Exercise-induced inflammation can influence iron metabolism. Conversely, the effects of vitamin D3, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties, on ultramarathon-induced heart damage and changes in iron metabolism have not been investigated. Thirty-five healthy long-distance semi-amateur runners were divided into two groups: one group received 150,000 IU of vitamin D3 24 h prior to a race (n = 16), while the other group received a placebo (n = 19). Serum iron, hepcidin (HPC), ferritin (FER), erythroferrone (ERFE), erythropoietin (EPO), neopterin (NPT), and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) levels were assessed. A considerable effect of ultramarathon running on all examined biochemical markers was observed, with a significant rise in serum levels of ERFE, EPO, HPC, NPT, and cTnT detected immediately post-race, irrespective of the group factor. Vitamin D3 supplementation showed a notable interaction with the UM, specifically in EPO and cTnT, with no other additional changes in the other analysed markers. In addition to the correlation between baseline FER and post-run ERFE, HPC was modified by vitamin D. The ultramarathon significantly influenced the EPO/ERFE/HPC axis; however, a single substantial dose of vitamin D3 had an effect only on EPO, which was associated with the lower heart damage marker cTnT after the run.

Increased Sports Performance Determined by the Altitude Factor among Senior Mountain Runners

Increased Sports Performance Determined by the Altitude Factor among Senior Mountain Runners

Personality determinants of goal orientation in elite long-distance and mountain runners

Background and Study Aim. The achievement theory points to two motivational orientations that represent different views on an individual's perception of success. In sports, these aspects are closely associated with various individual characteristics and athletic achievements. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between personality traits and aspects of goal orientation among long-distance and mountain runners of both genders. Material and Methods. The study involved 9 women aged 26 to 34 and 13 men aged 26 to 38 who were members of the national long-distance and mountain running teams (medallists at the Polish and European Championships in their disciplines). Among the participants there were graduate students. The Polish adaptation of Costa and McCrae’s NEO Five-Factor Inventory questionnaire was used to examine the level of personality traits. The level of goal orientation dimensions was determined using the Polish adaptation of the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13 software. Results. In the studied group of male athletic competitors, three significant relationships were observed: a negative correlation between ego orientation and both neuroticism and openness to experience; a negative correlation between the overall level of goal orientation and neuroticism. These results are explained by the relationship that occurs between emotional balance and resilience to criticism and the desire to compare oneself to others and the tendency to demonstrate superior skills in front of others. Conclusions. The findings underscore the importance of considering individual characteristics in athletic competition. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of assessing personality traits and goal orientation dimensions among student and competitive long-distance and mountain runners of both genders. Additionally, the significance of these factors in predicting sporting achievement is highlighted, suggesting avenues for further research and practical application.

Mud, sweat and cameras – Irish trail and mountain running vlogging

This article investigates the rise in participant-based running video blogs (vlogs), where audiences are brought on runs from the point-of-view of the runner. Examining Irish YouTube channels that create content around trail and mountain running, it focuses on a number of themes, including emotionality, place, and sociability in storytelling. In doing so, it questions the ways in which the activity of filming encapsulates the act of off-road running and the quest for vertiginous experiences. It explores the motivations of content creators, potential tensions with the ethos of alternative sports, and interactivity between producers and viewers. It positions this coverage as unique within the sports media space, providing first-hand, dizzying accounts of a niche sporting activity.

Relationship between consumption of sports supplements and addiction to sport in road and mountain runners

sports nutrition and supplementation (SD) are commonly used by road and mountain runners to achieve their goals and increased performance. However, sometimes sports practice can become an obsession and/or addiction, although the literature on the use of DS and sports addiction (SD) is scarce. to describe and analyse the relationship between SD use and AD in asphalt and mountain runners in the Canary Islands. a cross-sectional observational study in a sample of 613 adult athletes, using a self-administered online questionnaire that assessed SD use and AD, disseminated by federations, sports clubs, race organisers and social networks. 75.7 % of participants reported taking some form of SD and being younger was associated with a higher likelihood of taking SD. On the total SD scale (SAS-15) the mean was 9.19 (SD = 3.24), above the midpoint of the theoretical range (0-15). Among participants taking and not taking DS, there is higher AD in those taking versus those not; and among those taking DS, AD is significantly higher in those taking weight management recoverers and supplements. the sample had indicators of WD and, for the most part, were consuming some form of DS. In addition, there is a significant relationship between the use of DS and WD in road and mountain runners, with the level of WD being a predictor of DS consumption.

Third level basic running training tools for classic mountain running in a model of preparation for "Up and downhill" variant: Macrostructural distribution

Third level basic running training tools for classic mountain running in a model of preparation for "Up and downhill" variant: Macrostructural distribution

INJURY PROFILE OF THE MOUNTAIN RUNNER: GENDER COMPARISON

The number of events and distances in mountain races has grown exponentially. Meanwhile, the number of runners has also increased considerably. The increased participation in mountain races has resulted in an increase in runner injuries. This research is aimed at analysing and comparing (men vs. women) experience time, training time, and the injuries sustained during the practice of this sport. The sample (n=306) was made up of men (n=261) and women (n=45) who participated in the Canfranc - Canfranc Race (Spain). The instrument used is the Runner´s Profile and Propensity to Sports Injury questionnaire. There were no significant differences (p=0.01) between male and female variables: years of running experience, years of mountain running experience, training hours and time per week, and injuries in the previous three years and three months. Further research is required to analyse and compare male and female runners at different distances and mountain races.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Their Impact on Body Composition and Performance of Brazilians in a 105 Km Mountain Ultramarathon.

Although the studied polymorphisms affect muscular proteins, aerobic adaptations, and recovery, their influence on the anthropometric variables and performance in ultramarathon runners is still poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the influence of ACTN3 R577X, ACE I/D, and CK MM A/G NcoI polymorphisms on the changes in the anthropometric variables and running time of 105 km mountain runners, in which 22 male Brazilian elite athletes (35.9 ± 6.5 years) were evaluated. Genotyping of the R577X (RR, RX, and XX), ACE I/D (DD, ID, and II), and CK MM A/G Ncol (AA, AG, and GG) polymorphisms was performed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique with DNA extracted from saliva. Body composition was determined via bioimpedance. Pre- and post-race weight differences were observed on athletes with the AA genotype (77.1 ± 5.9 kg; 74.6 ± 5.6 kg) compared with those with the AG genotype (74.5 ± 8.0 kg; 68 ± 5.1 kg) (p = 0.02; p = 0.02). The RR genotype showed a correlation between BMI and running time (R = 0.97; p = 0.004). The genotype II showed a correlation with % fat and fat mass concerning running time (R = 0.91; p = 0.003; R = 0.99; p < 0.0001). The AA genotype was associated with post-race weight and lean mass loss, while the RR genotype correlated with BMI, and the genotype II correlated with % body fat and fat mass in relation to times in the 105 km mountain ultramarathon.

MOUNTAINPLAST: A New Italian Plastic Footprint with a Focus on Mountain Activities

The plastic footprint is defined as a science-based tool for quantifying the amount of plastic (in kg) one contributes to the world’s plastic waste (from plastic wraps to anything containing plastics, such as clothes). Making consumers aware of their total plastic footprint and of how it is divided among their various daily life activities can promote concrete eco-sustainable actions aimed at reducing it and consequently plastic consumption. To this aim, we developed a free online plastic footprint calculator for making users aware of how much plastic they introduce into the environment through individual consumption, from food to clothing or leisure. In this tool, we also considered the consumption of plastics during mountain activities as it leads to the production of specific plastic waste. We tested the beta version of this tool on a small sample of users, including students, living in the mountains. Our results show that the sector with the greatest impact is food consumption (72.8%, mainly due to plastic drink bottles), followed by mountain activities (17.4%), a sector that was investigated in more detail (i.e., with more questions) than food consumption. Considering only mountain activities, synthetic fleeces are the most widely used and incorrectly managed items (34.7%), followed by shoes for mountain running or hiking (20.8%). We hope this tool will contribute to more aware use and management of plastic items during mountain activities and daily life and help reduce the distribution of plastics into the environment.

Do Highly Trained Mountain Runners Differ from Recreational Active Non-Runners on Range of Motion and Strength in the Hip and Ankle as Well as Postural Control?

The rules governing mountain running force athletes to implement into their training programmes uphill and downhill running on unstable surfaces, which are demanding for hip and ankle as well as for the postural control system. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to compare highly trained mountain runners (MR) and recreational active non-runners (NR) on range of motion (ROM) and strength in the hip and ankle, as well as dynamic postural control. Thirty MR and thirty-two NR were included in the study. ROM was assessed using a digital inclinometer. Strength was measured using a hand-held dynamometer. Postural control was evaluated using the lower quarter Y-balance test (YBT-LQ). The results showed that MR, in relation to NR, had statistically significant smaller hip external rotation ROM (p = 0.007), lower hip external rotator (p = 0.006) and extensor (p = 0.023) strength and greater normalised anterior reach in the YBT-LQ (p = 0.028). Mountain running training may reduce hip external rotation ROM as well as hip external rotator and extensor strength. Moreover, such training may improve postural control. MR should implement exercises targeted at developing hip ROM and strength. Furthermore, it seems that mountain running training may be a good way to improve postural control.

Not so rebel after all: Profiling personality traits in mountain running athletes

In the field of sport psychology, trait theories view personality characteristics as the main determinants of behavior. This study explored personality traits in athletes of a growing sport, trail or mountain ultrarunning, a group for which previous studies have yielded inconclusive results regarding the dominant traits and which traits are associated with sporting success. The NEO-FFI questionnaire by Costa and McCrae (1992) was applied online to a sample of 86 trail runners (60 men and 26 women), who participated in a competition in Chile. It sought to determine what the personality profile of these athletes was like; to identify if there were significant differences between this population and the normal population; and if there were differences among them according to gender, the distance in which they competed, the results in the competition, and the motivations they stated for running. For each comparison, a Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was performed to measure its differences and respective statistical significance. Results showed that the personality profile of the mountain runners matched that of successful athletes in terms of high Conscientiousness and low Neuroticism, however, Openness to Experience scores showed no significant differences with the normal population. Neither did significant differences appear in any of the traits between ultradistance and shorter distance runners, nor according to their motivations for running, nor between male and female runners (except in the Agreeableness dimension). Finally, a clustering of the runners was outlined according to their personality profiles and performance, to see if they fit existing classifications that distinguish between recreational and results-oriented athletes, observing that it was possible to establish distinct profiles among runners. These results are of relevance to sports practitioners, who can design tailored interventions according to athletes´ personality profiles and prevent negative consequences when these traits become associated with unhealthy behaviors. The modest gender differences found, allow questioning gender stereotypes within the sport and fostering a more equitable approach to athlete training. This knowledge can contribute to further growing the sport of trail and ultrarunning in Chile and Latin America. Keywords: trail runners; ultrarunners; endurance sports; personality; Big Five

Implementing Modern Technology for Vital Sign Monitoring to Enhance Athletic Training and Sports Performance

(1) Background: Applying medical procedures to keep track of athletes’ metabolic health is a well-known behavior for increasing sports performance. This study’s primary goal was to examine whether implementing a health-screening routine using invasive and non-invasive methods in a mountain running training program can increase sports performance by obtaining a better rank in specific races. (2) Methods: Seven male mountain runners with good results at the international level participated in the research, which featured an initial and a final test. The initial test took place in March at the beginning of the competitive season, and the final test took place in September at the end of the annual training plan in 2021. The entire experiment used invasive tests, such as taking blood samples to perform blood biochemistry analysis, and non-invasive tests, such as mountain running races, determinations of VO2max, EKGs, urine biochemistry and NeuroTracker tests. (3) Results: Comparing the initial test with the final one from a statistical point of view, a significant improvement was found in the final test regarding the obtained results in most tests and, most importantly, the occupied position in the final general rank (p = 0.005). The main variations after effort were decreased Ca++ and increased Cl−, a low TGL level if the diet was inadequate, increased LDH and CPK strongly correlated with the skeletal muscle response, and only physiological changes were found in the EKG and urine summary. (4) Conclusions: The invasive and non-invasive tests applied in this study provided crucial information on the athletes’ health statuses, enabling the coach to adjust the training program in light of the findings in order to improve sports performance and avoid overexertion.

Are the Consumption Patterns of Sports Supplements Similar among Spanish Mountain Runners?

The use of sports supplements (SS) to improve sports performance is widespread in all types of athletes, however, the specific characteristics of mountain races may require the use of certain SS. Despite being a sport where the consumption of SS seems widespread, few studies have been conducted in this regard. The objective of this study is to analyze the pattern of SS consumption of mountain runners in relation to the degree of scientific evidence, sex, and level of competition. Descriptive and cross-sectional study on the consumption and habitual use of SS of 357 federated mountain runners in Spain. Data were collected through a validated questionnaire. From the total sample, 93.84% of the athletes stated that they consumed SS, with no differences observed based on the competitive level or in terms of sex; however, there were significant differences according to the competitive level in terms of the number of SS consumed, with consumption being greater at a higher competitive level (p = 0.009). The most consumed SS were sports bars (66.1%), sports drinks (60.5%), sports gels (52.9%), and caffeine (46.2%). The consumption of SS in mountain races is high, and the number of SS consumed is higher as the competition level increases. The four SS most consumed by the participants in this study were all included in category A in the classification of the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), this category is the one with the greatest scientific evidence.

Eager to set a record in a vertical race? Test your VO2max first!

ABSTRACT We investigated the relationship between maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) and performance in vertical races (VRs). In total, 270 performances, from 26 VRs, and cardiopulmonary data of 64 highly-trained mountain runners (53 M, V O2max: 75.7±5.8 mL/min/kg; 11 F: 65.7±3.4 mL/min/kg), collected over a 11-year period (2012–2022), were analysed. The relationship between performance and VO2max was modelled separately for national (NVRs), international (IVRs), and VRs of current pole-unassisted and pole-assisted vertical kilometre (VK) records (RVRs). Three different (p<0.001) exponential models described the relationship between performance and VO2max in IVRs (R2=0.96, p<0.001), NRs (R2=0.91, p<0.001) and RVRs (R2=0.97, p<0.001). Estimated VO2max requirements (with 95% CI) to win/set a record time in IVRs were 86.2(85.3–87.1)/89.4(88.2–90.5) and 74.0(73.6–74.4)/76.8(76.4–77.3) mL/min/kg, for males and females, respectively, 86.1(85.0–87.1)/90.4(89.0–91.8) and 74.8(74.2–75.3)/77.1(77.6–77.7) mL/min/kg in RVRs, decreasing to 83.7(82.5–84.9)/87.6(86.0–89.2) and 66.8(65.9–67.7)/70.7(70.1–71.4) mL/min/kg in NVRs. Our study also suggested a tendency towards a non-uniform variation in the metabolic demand of off-road running, likely attributable to the different features of the VRs (e.g., terrain, technical level, use of poles). These data provide mean VO2max requirements for mountain runners to win and establish new records in VRs and stimulate new research on the energy cost of off-road running.

Review of the Organizational Structures of the Trail Running, Skyrunning and Mountain Running Modalities in Spain

The purpose of this research was to analyze the organizational structures of the different federations and entities representing the modalities of trail-running, skyrunning, and mountain running and how they have settled in the current sports landscape. The main task of these entities is to act as hosts of the legally established modalities, both internationally and nationally, applying their respective regulations and statutes unilaterally. Through an in-depth review of the different regulations, statutes, and current articles of all the organizations that represent the different disciplines, we can observe how a sport modality that seems to be the same is nevertheless distant in its execution (regulations, championships, classifications, systems of points, etc.), which has led to the international level being established in different sport modalities (trail running and skyrunning). At the level of the Spanish territory, it has led to an administrative dispute to know who has the powers to approve sports competitions.

Recurring Rural Destination Sport Events: A Study on Participants’ Direct Spending

The current study explores direct spending profiles of sport event tourists in a very small rural destination as an alternative to the multiplier effect economic impact studies. Sport event tourism has been used as an economic engine tool by a variety of destination sizes but has been neglected for small rural destinations, where people arrive from various distance radiuses to participate in this central activity for the place. Data were collected from participants at a small-scale recurring mountain running event. An online survey instrument was sent to the participants after the event. Participants reported on their daily and total expenditures regarding accommodation, meals and other tourist spending. The results revealed that the participants who responded to the survey spent on average about EUR 163 for accommodation, EUR 205 for meals and about EUR 38 for other tourist spending, such as souvenirs. Respondents from closer radius, spent less on average, approximately EUR 156, EUR 383 and EUR 26 for the respective spending categories. Rural destinations counting on hosting sport events for economic boosts in poorly economic areas witness considerable financial gains for the regions via the estimation of the more feasible direct spending calculations.

Comparison of the quality of life among athletes, street and mountain runners.

Resumo Introdução: este estudo trata de um assunto comumente abordado na área esportiva e com rápido crescimento nos dias atuais, a corrida, em que se utilizaram duas modalidades para pesquisa, a corrida de rua e a de montanha. Objetivos: comparar e analisar a qualidade de vida entre corredores amadores de rua e de montanha; verificar a faixa etária e a modalidade de corrida que propicia uma melhor qualidade de vida dentre os voluntários da pesquisa. Metodologia: A amostra foi composta por 26 indivíduos residentes no Sul de Minas Gerais, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 20 e 75 anos. Os atletas amadores foram divididos em dois grupos de 13 pessoas, conforme a modalidade de corrida praticada. O instrumento escolhido para coleta de dados foi o Questionário WHOQOL-bref, uma versão abreviada do WHOQOL-100. Para análise estatística foram utilizados os seguintes programas e testes: Software Microsoft Excel, Teste de Normalidade, Teste F, Teste t de Student e Teste de Ajuste de Curvas, juntamente com a Sintaxe do WHOQOL-bref. Resultados: houve diferença significativa quanto aos aspectos: ‘psicológico’ e ‘relação social’ no corredor de montanha sobre o corredor de rua; e nenhuma diferença significativa nos aspectos ‘físico’ e ‘meio ambiente’. Quanto à faixa etária dos participantes, verificou-se que não existe relação entre idade e a qualidade de vida dos corredores. Conclusão: a corrida de montanha propicia uma qualidade de vida melhor que a corrida de rua, principalmente nos aspectos citados anteriormente, e a idade não influencia na qualidade de vida do corredor. Palavras-chave: Corrida; Qualidade de vida; Atividade física.

Impact of UV-based self-assessed photoaging on sun protection intentions: validation based on trail runners and their companions

Appearance-based interventions emphasize how UV exposure contributes to the premature aging of skin. The current study was aimed at evaluating the impact of self-assessed skin damage based on UV imaging on the intention to modify photoprotection habits. A prospective observational study was performed. Mountain runners and their companions participating in the GAP Trail were invited to participate. Participants were asked to complete a validated questionnaire about sun exposure habits, and were invited to see an image of their faces using SkinScope. In total, 116 people participated in the study. The degree of photoaging established by the dermatologist using the Glogau score significantly correlated with that based on self-assessment by the participants using the UV system (p < 0.001). Almost all UV fluorescence image colours significantly correlated with the grade of photoaging. After seeing their image with the UV system, 65.5% stated that they would improve photoprotection measures. UV imaging is a reliable way to self-evaluate photoaging and may reinforce photoprotection habits.