How inter-organizational collaboration networks in trail running events contribute to rural dynamism, physical activity promotion, and environmental stewardship: a case study

This study aims to understand the contributions of inter-organizational collaboration to rural dynamism, physical activity promotion, and environmental conservation. Adopting a qualitative approach and a case study method, it analyses an inter-organizational collaboration network in a region in the interior of Portugal. Data were collected through interviews with the event organizer, network partners, and athlete participants. Secondary data sources, such as online documents, journal articles and social media posts, were also used to enable triangulation. From the content analysis, the findings demonstrate how a strategic inter-organizational collaboration network leverages small-scale rural sports events to achieve comprehensive socio-economic and environmental objectives, thereby contributing to sustainable rural development. This research supports the notion that trail running events function as resources from which other benefits can be leveraged, including sporting, economic, social and environmental outcomes.