Why do we run? A cross-sectional analysis of motivation profiles and training characteristics in the Garmin-RUNSAFE running health cohort study

Objectives To investigate motivation profiles of runners and explore how they relate to training characteristics. Design Cross-sectional analysis within an existing cohort study. Method Participants in the Garmin-RUNSAFE Running Health Study completed the Behavioural Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire, version 3 (BREQ-3) to assess running motivation (n = 2278). To identify motivation profiles, latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted based on the BREQ-3 subscale scores. Weekly training characteristics (frequency, pace, duration, distance) from GPS smartwatches in the previous four weeks were compared between profiles. Results LPA identified four distinct motivation profiles: ‘balanced engagers' (n = 620), ‘autonomous achievers' (n = 1379), ‘reluctant runners' (n = 117), and ‘controlled engagers' (n = 162). These profiles reflected varying levels of autonomous and controlled motivation, with ‘autonomous achievers' characterised by high levels of identified, integrated, and intrinsic regulation, and ‘reluctant runners' characterised by higher amotivation and lower autonomous regulation compared to other profiles. ‘Autonomous achievers' engaged in running more frequently (median: 3.0 runs/wk) and for longer durations (median: 161.5 mins/wk) compared to other profiles (p < 0.01). Conversely, reluctant runners ran less frequently and for shorter durations (1.5 runs/wk.; 57.8 min/wk) and substantially lower weekly distance compared to ‘autonomous achievers' (9.1 vs. 26.6 km/wk.; p < 0.01). Conclusions Distinct motivation profiles were identified in this large sample of runners, with differences observed in training characteristics such as running frequency and duration. It may be important to consider runners' motivational orientation when aiming to promote sustainable physical activity through running.