The Serious Leisure Perspective: Long Distance Runners Experience Scale (LDRES)

Abstract: The recent increase in nature-based research demonstrates the potential ad-ditional benefits of participating in the event compared to urban areas in this context. However, there is a lack of quantitative measurement tools that explore the meanings of the lived experiences of those who participate in nature-based activities. The aim of the study at this point is to develop the Long Distance Runners Experience Scale (LDRES), which is based on descriptions of long distance running as a serious leisure activity. Further research in this regard could strengthen the collective understanding of indi-vidual motivation for such activities. In the study, online/face-to-face survey method, which is one of the quantitative research techniques, was used. Since it is not possible to determine the boundaries of the main population exactly, the sample size was chosen as "random sample". In this context, a total of 650 athletes were reached in the data col-lection process carried out in two stages. An item selection analysis was applied to a pool of 45 items. Then, the steps relating to the development process of the 35-item measurement tool were followed, and all psychometric analyses were carried out in order. Considering the findings and results in question, it is possible to say that LDRES is a tool that can make valid and reliable measurements that can measure the experi-ences of long-distance runners.