The Prevalence and Impact of Congestion in Australian Running Events: An Analysis from the Perspective of Race Directors

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to examine the views of Australian race directors regarding the prevalence of congestion and its impact on runners during running events. Five race directors who organise large running events in Australia were interviewed in a focus group setting. Thirty-five Australian race directors also completed an electronic survey examining their experiences with congestion during running events they organise. Similar themes emerged from findings gathered in the focus group and survey. Race directors in Australia receive negative feedback from runners regarding congestion. Furthermore, race directors indicated congestion impacts runner safety resulting in incidents and injuries to runners during events. Congestion was also reported to reduce runner satisfaction with the event when runners are unable to run at predetermined paces. This study provides foundation evidence identifying congestion as an issue in running events, with congestion subsequently leading to negative consequences from the perspective of race directors.