Trails, traits, and mental states: Psychological differences between competitive and recreational sub-ultra and ultramarathon runners

Psychological trait differences between ultrarunners (completing more than a standard 42.195 km marathon) and sub-ultrarunners (≤42.195 km) have been assumed, but not robustly examined. The current study investigated trait differences between competitive and recreational runners at sub-ultra and ultramarathon distances. Six hundred and eleven participants (334 recreational, 400 sub-ultrarunner) completed an online, anonymous survey assessing five traits: mental toughness (MT), grit, motivation, general self-efficacy (GSE), and personality. Bayesian ANOVAs indicated at least moderate evidence for differences within Distance for grit-perseverance of effort (PE) and intrinsic motivation (IM), such that ultrarunners scored higher than sub-ultrarunners. Similarly, we observed at least moderate evidence that competitive runners scored higher than recreational runners on overall grit, grit-PE, GSE, IM, and extrinsic motivation (EM). Interaction effects provided moderate evidence for greater MT and overall grit in competitive ultrarunners. Evidence for other differences were anecdotal or favoured the null hypothesis. This study represents a novel investigation into the psychological makeup of runners. We suggest that aspects of motivation, grit, and self-efficacy, but not personality, may differentiate competitive from recreational runners, and ultrarunners from sub-ultrarunners. The identification of these trait differences may benefit runners and coaches wanting to progress in distance or competition level, with broader application to workplace or academic contexts. Further research is needed to develop a clearer conceptualisation of mental toughness, and build upon the novel findings of this study, particularly given the paucity of literature that exists within this context. •Traits were compared between competitive/recreational, ultra/sub-ultra runners.•Ultrarunners reported higher grit and intrinsic motivation than sub-ultrarunners.•Competitive runners reported higher grit, self-efficacy and extrinsic motivation.•Competitive ultrarunners reported comparatively higher mental toughness and grit.•There were no differences in personality between groups.