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Understanding Different Types of Recreational Runners and How They Use Running-Related Technology

Author

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  • Mark Janssen

    (Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Science, 5612 AR Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

  • Ruben Walravens

    (School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Science, 5612 AR Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

  • Erik Thibaut

    (Policy in Sports & Physical Activity Research Group, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Jeroen Scheerder

    (Policy in Sports & Physical Activity Research Group, University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium)

  • Aarnout Brombacher

    (Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

  • Steven Vos

    (Department of Industrial Design, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5612 AZ Eindhoven, The Netherlands
    School of Sport Studies, Fontys University of Applied Science, 5612 AR Eindhoven, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This study aims to help professionals in the field of running and running-related technology (i.e., sports watches and smartphone applications) to address the needs of runners. It investigates the various runner types—in terms of their attitudes, interests, and opinions (AIOs) with regard to running—and studies how they differ in the technology they use. Data used in this study were drawn from the standardized online Eindhoven Running Survey 2016 (ERS2016). In total, 3723 participants completed the questionnaire. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis were used to identify the different running types, and crosstabs obtained insights into the use of technology between different typologies. Based on the AIOs, four distinct runner types were identified: casual individual, social competitive, individual competitive, and devoted runners. Subsequently, we related the types to their use of sports watches and apps. Our results show a difference in the kinds of technology used by different runner types. Differentiation between types of runners can be useful for health professionals, policymakers involved in public health, engineers, and trainers or coaches to adapt their services to specific segments, in order to make use of the full potential of running-related systems to support runners to stay active and injury-free and contribute to a healthy lifestyle.

Suggested Citation

  • Mark Janssen & Ruben Walravens & Erik Thibaut & Jeroen Scheerder & Aarnout Brombacher & Steven Vos, 2020. "Understanding Different Types of Recreational Runners and How They Use Running-Related Technology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-18, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:7:p:2276-:d:338077
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Daphne Menheere & Mark Janssen & Mathias Funk & Erik van der Spek & Carine Lallemand & Steven Vos, 2020. "Runner’s Perceptions of Reasons to Quit Running: Influence of Gender, Age and Running-Related Characteristics," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-12, August.
    2. Kobe Helsen & Mark Janssen & Steven Vos & Jeroen Scheerder, 2022. "Two of a Kind? Similarities and Differences between Runners and Walkers in Sociodemographic Characteristics, Sports Related Characteristics and Wearable Usage," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-17, July.
    3. Mabliny Thuany & Thayse Natacha Gomes & Lee Hill & Thomas Rosemann & Beat Knechtle & Marcos B. Almeida, 2021. "Running Performance Variability among Runners from Different Brazilian States: A Multilevel Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-12, April.
    4. Yi Ouyang & Xiaomei Cai & Jie Li & Quan Gao, 2021. "Investigating the “Embodied Spaces of Health” in Marathon Running: The Roles of Embodiment, Wearable Technology, and Affective Atmospheres," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-13, December.
    5. Mabliny Thuany & Raphael F. de Souza & Lee Hill & João Lino Mesquita & Thomas Rosemann & Beat Knechtle & Sara Pereira & Thayse Natacha Gomes, 2021. "Discriminant Analysis of Anthropometric and Training Variables among Runners of Different Competitive Levels," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-9, April.

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