Mass participation sport events as contexts for sustainable behaviors and place attachment: a qualitative study of the Konya Half Marathon, Türkiye

Purpose This study examines how participants of the Konya Half Marathon experience event quality, recreational engagement, sustainable behavior, and place attachment. The aim is to understand how these elements shape long-term engagement in mass participation sport events. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative, cross-sectional design was applied. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 22 participants selected via purposive sampling. Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-phase approach, supported by MAXQDA software. Findings Participants expressed strong environmental values but observed limited sustainable planning in the event. Symbolic aspects of the race enhanced emotional bonds with Konya. The social atmosphere and organizational quality were appreciated, although logistical challenges were noted. Recreational engagement promoted well-being and community connection. The findings indicate the need for stronger environmental sustainability infrastructure, including waste management and recycling systems, in future event design. Originality/value The study contributes to event and leisure research by integrating multiple theoretical frameworks to explain behavior and emotion in a non-Western context. It highlights how recreational engagement and place attachment interact with sustainability in mass participation sport events, offering insights for both theory and practice.