Emotional Intelligence as a Cornerstone of Success in Ultrarunning: A Synthesis of Meta-Analytic Evidence and Psychological Theory
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The sport of ultrarunning, defined as any footrace exceeding the traditional 42.195-kilometer marathon distance, represents one of the most formidable challenges in human endurance.1 These events often traverse demanding and variable terrains, from mountain trails with significant elevation changes to deserts with extreme temperatures, subjecting competitors to profound physiological and psychological stress.3 Athletes routinely face challenges such as dehydration, insufficient energy intake, sleep deprivation, gastrointestinal distress, and intense, often unwanted, emotional states over durations that can extend from several hours to multiple days.5 This extreme context pushes participants to the absolute limits of their physical and mental capabilities, establishing a unique environment where psychological fortitude is not merely an asset but a fundamental component of performance.1 In recent years, a growing body of research has begun to explore the psychological dimensions of endurance sports, moving beyond a purely physiological paradigm to understand what enables athletes to succeed in such grueling conditions.3 Despite a surge in the popularity of ultrarunning, with participation growing over 345% in a single decade, dedicated psychological research has not kept pace, leaving significant gaps in the scientific understanding of these athletes.3 While the importance of psychological factors is widely acknowledged anecdotally—often summarized by the maxim that ultrarunning is "90% mind, and 10% body"—the empirical evidence base remains fragmented.1
DOI: 10.17615/9eej-3f26
Author: Thornton, Owen R.
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4416117879
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