Running together is better than running alone: a qualitative study of a self-organised distance running group in China

ABSTRACT

Group running has become a popular social phenomenon in China. Yet there is a limited understanding of running as a social and communal experience, with most of the previous studies being conducted in western-developed countries. Using a qualitative approach, this study examined a self-organised distance running group – C Town Running Group in China. Results of 19 semi-structured interviews and 6 formal observations showed that members of the running group had positive social interaction and support during and outside running. Additionally, some members formed friendships and small circles within the larger running group. Finally, members reported various positive impacts of the running group on their running, physical/mental health, personality, and attitude towards life.

KEYWORDS:

• Running
• self-organised community
• social interaction
• physical activity
• health
• China

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Hui Xie

Hui Xie is a Professor in Department of Recreation and Tourism Management, California State University, Northridge (CSUN), United States. He is also affliated with CSUN Center for Assessment Research and Evaluation. His research interests include health outcomes of leisure, recreation, and tourism, and promotion of healthy living.

Yibin Chen

Yibin Chen, is the Deputy Head of Department of Hotel and Club Management, School of Tourism Management at Sun Yat-sen University. His research interests include leisure and sport tourism, special sport event management and club management.

Ri Yin

Ri Yin is a master student in Tourism Management at School of Tourism Management, Sun Yat-Sen University, where she graduated with a bachelor degree in hospitality management in 2018. Her research interests focus on corporate social responsibility, hotel marketing, serious leisure.