Author(s)

ZhaoFeng Chen, Rui Ding, JiaBin Pan^*

Affiliation(s)

Hebei Normal University Of Science & Technology, Qinhuangdao 066000, Hebei, China.

Corresponding Author

JiaBin Pan

ABSTRACT

As a rapidly developing urban sports activity in recent years, urban marathons have gradually become a new form of mass sports culture. This paper, through in-depth research on the psychological needs, physical and mental experiences of urban marathon participants, as well as contemporary body culture, aims to explore its impact on individuals, society, and school sports. Firstly, the paper analyzes the diverse psychological needs of participants, including challenging personal limits, pursuing physical health, and seeking social recognition. Secondly, by closely observing the physical and mental experiences of participants during training, competition, and post-race, it reveals the unique influence of marathon on individual growth and spiritual development. Thirdly, the paper dissects the contemporary body culture reflected by urban marathons, covering the selection of sports equipment, the dissemination of health concepts, and the strengthening of social interaction. Finally, by discussing the implications of urban marathons for the development of school sports, it proposes how to better draw on the successful experience of marathons to promote the prosperity of sports culture. In summary, this paper provides a profound insight into the comprehensive understanding of urban marathons and offers valuable references for the future development of sports culture and the reform of school education. 

KEYWORDS

Psychological needs; Physical and mental experience; Phenomenology; Urban marathon

CITE THIS PAPER

ZhaoFeng Chen, Rui Ding, JiaBin Pan. The running mind: an exploration of psychological experiences in urban marathons. World Journal of Sport Research. 2025, 3(1): 54-57. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wjsr3014.

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