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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences
Beyond Limits: Exploring Motivation And The Lack Of Women In Ultramarathoning, Amy Harris
Beyond Limits: Exploring Motivation And The Lack Of Women In Ultramarathoning, Amy Harris
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato
An ultramarathon extends beyond the traditional 26.2-mile marathon (Tharion, Strowman, & Rauch, 1988) and includes 50 kilometers (31 miles), 100 kilometers (62.1 miles) and 135 miles. Participants must train for substantial periods of time and oftentimes in rough off-road terrain while dealing with dramatic changes in elevation and weather. Despite these challenges, participation rates are increasing; yet, most of these participants are men. For instance, for every woman participant, five men participated in the Western States 100 (Soderland, 2011). Very few researchers have examined the motives to participate in this unique sport or investigated the gender barriers of ultramarathons. This …