Perceptual, affective and motivational responses during a last man standing ultra-trail race

The aim of this study was to monitor the psychological responses (individual perceptual, affective, and motivational) of trail runners during an ultra-endurance elimination race. Twenty-one participants (3 women, 18 men; 35.80 ± 8.95 years) were familiarized with perceptual (RPE, fatigue), affective (pleasure, feelings), and motivational scales one week before the event. The race required runners to complete a 6-km loop with 165 meters of elevation gain every hour for up to 33 hours. Runners completed the scales immediately after each loop. Participants finished on average 12.7 ± 6.11 loops (76.29 ± 36.65 km). Results showed that RPE and fatigue increased, while pleasure and feelings diminished as the race progressed. Motivation decreased over time specifically driven by autonomous forms of regulation. Notably, these parameters did not reach absolute extreme values by the end of the exercise. Three motivational pillars predominate - intrinsic motivation, identified and integrated regulations - and correlated significantly with the number of loops remaining. These findings suggest that runners rely on self-regulatory strategies to maintain effort within a subjectively sustainable zone. The observed decline in psychological parameters preceding withdrawal highlights the importance of integrating psychological monitoring into training programs, with practical implications for athletes and coaches.