Eric M. Hungenberg *, Andrew W. Bailey *, Nicholas Boer * and Hyoung-Kil Kang **
(*) Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, USA
(**) Department of Physical Education, Kyungnam University at Changwon, South Korea
Citation
Hungenberg, E.M., Bailey, A.W., Boer, N., Kang, H. (2026). Use of triangulated methods to test the effect marathon course design has on runner psychology. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 57(4), 302-327. doi:10.7352/IJSP.2026.57.302
Abstract
This study examined the relationship between environmental stimuli and the mental state of marathon runners because little research exists on the effects of a marathon course’s physical environment on athletes’ race psychology. To link marathon racers’ psychological states to specific spatial patterns, 11 race participants’ mental state, physiological discomfort, and environmental perception were captured from Emotiv headset devices and questionnaires. The results indicate that environmental effects, relaxation, and anxiety (i.e., sensory arousal) were uniquely impacted by the course sections. Runners who preferred to have dissociative coping strategies and who found the route to be environmentally attractive reported minimal physical discomfort. This finding indicates that a nature-infused and environmentally attractive race environment can reduce exertion and discomfort of marathon runners who have fewer associative thoughts. In practice, race organizers must consider the spatial characteristics of marathon courses to improve runner satisfaction and performance.
Keywords: marathon, runner, psychology, electroencephalography, environ- ment