Community-based, citizen-led approach to jogging participation-examples from jogscotland and parkrun UK

Citation

Ozakinci G (2018) Community-based, citizen-led approach to jogging participation-examples from jogscotland and parkrun UK. 7th International Society for Physical Activity and Health Congress, London. Journal of Physical Activity & Health, 15 (S1), pp. S115-S116. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2018-0535

Abstract
Purpose: A variety of programmes exist aiming to increase physical activity with differing levels of success. Approaches involving volunteers and physical activity taking place outside gym environments are popular. The purpose of the studies was to understand the facilitators and barriers of continued participation and participant characteristics when it comes to two popular community-based approaches. Methods: Two studies will be presented. Study 1: Interviews were conducted from three ‘jogscotland’ groups (Scotland’s recreational running network for runners of all abilities) (N = 20; 11 women; Age: 29-77). Self-determination theory guided the study and thematic analysis was used. Study 2: A cross-sectional online/paper survey of parkrunners with open-ended items (N = 655;322 women; Age:16-79) was conducted in 4 UK parkrun sites using participatory action research. Results: jogscotland data indicated several themes: inclusivity of the groups facilitating participation; social-contextual factors fostering feelings of ‘competence’ enhancing intrinsic motivation; and a combination of intrinsic and integrated regulation factors sustaining the activity. parkrun data showed that the sense of belonging to parkrun in a familial sense; sense of achievement and challenge; health/wellbeing benefits; and the event format were key factors for participation. Both groups emphasised the importance of structure and the volunteer-led nature of these activities for its success. Conclusions: These complementary data show that volunteer-led, community-based approaches to physical activity offer potential for sustainable behaviour change. Increasing access to these approaches need to be considered in policy development to increase public health benefit.

Journal
Journal of Physical Activity & Health: Volume 15, Issue S1