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1. MSc Dissertation:
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in Amateur Runners’ Motivations
for Repeatedly Participating in Marathon: A Small Study in East Sussex
Abstract
Aim and Objectives - This research aims to investigate amateur runners’ motivations for
repeatedly participating in marathon running. To achieve this, four objectives were established: a
thorough literature review surrounding motivation in running and marathon running; an
examination of initial and repeat participation motivations; an investigation of motivations among
repeat amateur marathon runners; an identification of motivational themes among them.
Methodology and Analysis - Qualitative design was applied, and accordingly interpretative
phenomenological analysis (IPA) was chosen as a research strategy. Data were collected by semi-
structured interviews with six repeat amateur marathon runners. They were recruited from local
athletic clubs in East Sussex, based on convenience and self-selection samplings. Data were also
processed based on IPA’s analytical procedures.
Findings and Discussion - The four common motivational themes were identified as challenge to
self, mastery of marathon, social benefits, and enhancement of everyday running. The identification
of challenge and social motivations are consistent with discourses in previous literature in running
and marathon motivations. Nevertheless, mastery motivation is an unconventional finding.
Furthermore, motivation for everyday running could be a completely new perspective.
Conclusion - This IPA research identified the four motivational themes as amateur runner
motivations for repeatedly participating in marathon running. Nevertheless, this was a small study
that relied on six research participants. Age and family status were potentially biased. Thus, a more
diverse sample can shed light on further perspectives in this field.
24 September 2015 (c) Yusskei, http://yusskei.net