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Research study into adolescent distance running: participants needed

The University of Exeter, supported by England Athletics, are looking for participants to help with a research study looking into the training practices, injury and social identity of adolescent distance runners, aged 13 to 18 years old.

Although the sport of distance running has become very popular in England, little is known about both the physical and social health of adolescent distance runners, including negative outcomes from participation, such as injury. This research aims to understand the typical volume, frequency, and intensity of training completed by these athletes. Additionally, the study will identify how often injury occurs and how adolescent distance runners identify with the sport.

As part of this research study, the University need adolescent distance runners to complete an online questionnaire. Completing the questionnaire should take less than 30 minutes. Participants must be aged between 13 and 18 years old, currently training for and/or competing in events from the 800m up to the 10,000m (including cross-country and steeplechase).

Go to Adolescent Distance Running Questionnaire for more information and to take part.

If you are an Athletics Coach and/or an active member at your local Athletics Club, the University would be grateful if you could share this questionnaire with any adolescent distance runners that may be interested in this study. This could be achieved by simply passing the details of the questionnaire on to the relevant people, or sharing this link via social media.

If you would like any further information about this study, please do not hesitate to contact Robert Mann via rm537@exeter.ac.uk. This study is being funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), in partnership with England Athletics.