By Er Ralston
Race Director, Beat the Heat
 

In the Triad, we’ve been fortunate to host races featuring some of the region’s most gifted runners. The presence of these athletes is made possible by local businesses and individuals who provide the cash prizes that attract these elite runners through their sponsorship. 

The thrill of watching these athletes, I’ve long theorized, is good for the race and also for the community at large.  I firmly believe that including prize money to attract elite runners for local races inspires others to run, and that helps to support community health and well-being. 

It turns out that’s not just my bias: Evidence does exist to support my theory. 

Coverage in the Media Boosts Local Participation 

Media coverage of professional sporting events, including running races, can inspire individuals to take up the sport. A study published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues (Lechner, 2012) explored how coverage of marathons like the Boston Marathon can actually increase participation in amateur races. The increased visibility of elite athletes and the emotional storytelling associated with their performances often sparks public interest in running events. 

Their Stories Matter 

Professional athletes can serve as powerful role models, which can inspire others to start running. A 2014 study in the Journal of Sport Behavior (Fink & Parker, 2014) found that athletes who achieve extraordinary feats, such as winning a major marathon or setting a world record, can positively influence the public's perception of the sport and encourage others to participate themselves. This is especially true when athletes have an accessible, relatable story of perseverance or overcoming obstacles. 

Impact of Major Events on Local Participation

Large-scale events like the New York City Marathon, London Marathon, and other prominent races often serve as inspiration for local runners. Research indicates that when large marathons or other professional races occur, local race participation typically increases in the following months. This phenomenon is often linked to the desire to emulate elite athletes or to take part in the communal experience associated with such events. 

Health and Fitness Movements

Research also suggests that professional races can align with broader health and fitness movements. Many participants are motivated by the idea of improving personal health or achieving a specific fitness goal after seeing professional athletes accomplish extraordinary feats. And this increased interest in personal running occurs even if participants don’t necessarily aspire to compete at the elite level. They simply see the opportunity to start their own journeys.

So the research clearly indicates that the presence of elite-level athletes in local events has a positive influence on community health. People are inspired by grace, grit and determination of these athletes and often begin or restart their personal commitment to fitness. They’re also attracted by the camaraderie of the running community they see at local races.

And when local sponsors and donors join in offering cash prizes to runners, they have the opportunity to participate in this positive transformation of the community. 

References:
Lechner, M. (2012). "The Influence of the Mass Media on the Decision to Participate in Physical Activity: A Study of Running Events." Journal of Sport and Social Issues.
Fink, J. S., & Parker, H. M. (2014). "The Influence of Social Media and Role Models on Physical Activity Participation." Journal of Sport Behavior.

This article was written with assistance from ChatGPT.