The importance of landscape during long-distance running activity

Abstract

Abstract Running outdoor has a positive impact on human health. Study attempted to address the issue of what are other aspects motivating to take up running. We were particularly interested in the landscape. Goal was also to determine the landscape values of the competition routes, which determine their popularity. We conducted surveys among the participants of the runs and spatial analyzes using GIS tools. Great landscape values of running routes can contribute to the activation of running society, especially women and city dwellers. The high diversity of the landscape of the cross-country routes, especially in terms of their relief and land use, significantly affects their high landscape rating. Route profile and running challenges are as important as landscape values. The landscape that runners observe during long-distance runs affects their regeneration and motivates them to finish the competition. People want to run in a visually beautiful mountain and foothill landscape. This study illuminates how the enchanting tapestry of landscapes not only fuels the passion for outdoor running but also underscores the intricate relationship between humans and their surroundings. The results enable us to establish the key principles for designing new running routes that support runners during their exertion.