MARATHON RUNNING BEHAVIOR AND INTRINSIC MOTIVATION AMONG GENERATION Z

Abstract

This study aimed to examine marathon running behavior and intrinsic motivation among Generation Z. The sample consisted of 400 individuals aged 18 – 24 years who had participated in marathon running for at least one year. A questionnaire was employed as the research instrument, and the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentage, mean, and standard deviation, as well as multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that marathon running behavior among Generation Z was at a very high level (x̄ = 4.71, SD = 0.62), while intrinsic motivation was found at a high level (x̄ = 4.22, SD = 0.78). Hypothesis testing further revealed that intrinsic motivation exerted a significantly positive influence on marathon running behavior among Generation Z at the .05 level of statistical significance (β = 0.45, t = 6.78, p < .001), indicating that internal drives play a crucial role in encouraging their participation in marathon running. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of intrinsic motivation in promoting exercise behavior and sustained engagement in marathon running among young adults.