Trait differences between recreational and competitive sub- and ultramarathon runners

<p dir="ltr">‘Ultramarathon’ is a running category referring to distances beyond a standard marathon (42.195km). Psychological differences between ultrarunners and shorter distance runners are assumed but unclear. This study examined trait differences across Participation and Distance levels, namely recreational and competitive, and sub- and ultrarunners, respectively. Six hundred eleven participants (334 recreational, 400 sub-ultrarunner) completed an online, anonymous survey assessing demographics, running history, and five traits: mental toughness (MT), grit, motivation, general self-efficacy (GSE), and personality. Main and interaction effects were calculated using 2x2 Bayesian ANOVAs, with results indicating evidence for differences within Distance for grit-PE (BF₁₀ = 22.89) and intrinsic motivation (BF₁₀ = 93.64), such that ultrarunners scored higher than sub-ultrarunners. Evidence for differences within Participation were indicated for overall grit (BF₁₀ = 10.42), grit-PE (BF₁₀ = 18.01), GSE (BF₁₀ = 3.25), IM (BF₁₀ = 4.7610), and extrinsic motivation (BF₁₀ = 3027.33), with competitive runners scoring higher than recreational runners. Interaction effects were also observed, with evidence for differences in MT (BF₁₀ = 3.03) and overall grit (BF₁₀ = 5.86) such that competitive ultrarunners scored highest within the four interaction groups. Evidence for differences were otherwise anecdotal or null. In conclusion, some psychological differences were indicated between runners, but not for all traits. There is broad scope for further research to investigate additional potentially distinguishing characteristics between runners and participants engaging in physical activity more generally.</p>