Building a Better World Through Sporting Events: Residents’ Perceptions and Support for a Small-Scale Women-Oriented Running Event

This study examines residents’ perceptions of the impacts of a small-scale urban running event in Córdoba, Spain, oriented primarily toward women and linked to the visibility of women in sport. The research addresses whether gender bias exists in impact perception, whether a differentiated inclusive-sporting dimension emerges alongside the traditional economic, social, and environmental dimensions, whether the structure of perceived impacts and support is compatible with Social Exchange Theory, and whether different resident segments can be identified in line with Social Representations Theory. Data were collected from 536 residents during the event and in the following week. The analysis combined item-level gender comparisons, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, and cluster analysis. The results identified four perceived impact dimensions: inclusive-sporting, economic, social, and environmental, together with a differentiated support construct. Women reported more positive perceptions than men in the inclusive-sporting, economic, and social dimensions, whereas no significant gender differences emerged in environmental inconveniences. Three resident segments were identified: Enthusiasts, Supporters, and Detractors. Overall, the findings suggest that women-oriented small-scale sporting events are evaluated not only through economic, social, and environmental impacts, but also through their perceived contribution to inclusion, city image, and gender equality.