Running Tourism in Poland Example of Tourist Activity of Polish Marathon Runners

Aims: Tourism is a social phenomenon and a kind of measure of quality of life. Polish domestic tourism is developing along with the recreation since the very start of the process of dynamic development and mass popularization of recreational activity. It is also a rapidly growing business sector. Presentation of a newly developed social phenomenon in Poland – tourism of people practicing recreation sports, specifically runners, taking part in marathons and street runs, was the main goal of this research.
Methodology: This study included a group of 669 Polish amateur runners. Diagnostic survey was applied as the method, using the technique of own authorship questionnaire. To evaluate the extent of participation of Poles in street runs abroad documents such as completed final results with detailed information of the finished competition, published by the running event (marathon) organisers have been analysed.
Conclusion: Active participation in mass street running generate national and international tourism. Cognitive aspects (cultural and natural values) are much more important motives for the selection of sports and recreational events than sporting aspects. The development of mass forms of recreation including sports and recreation events is a chance for regions lacking invaluable natural and cultural values of sightseeing, because they fit in the development and promotion of cities and regions.