Trail running in Costa Rica: athlete and organizer perspective

Abstract

This research was developed from a qualitative approach, with the aim of understanding the Trail Running Races developed in Costa Rica, from the experience of athletes and organizers. A different structured interview was used for each sample group. The sample was selected in a non-probabilistic way, it was made up of 31 Costa Rican people, of which 7 were trail running race directors and 24 were athletes of this discipline. Data was analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method, processed by the Cutting and Classification technique. Among the main findings are these common patterns in the competitors: the need to be in contact with nature through the search for freedom and the personal success of overcoming difficulties. It was found that the athletes acquired cognitive, interpersonal, and intrapersonal skills by participating in this sport. The importance of involving multiple actors in the organization was detected, mainly the local community. It was found that evaluative practice is not frequent in those who manage these events, so it is considered an opportunity for improvement in the future.