engleski

Economic Impacts of Recreational Running Popularization in The Republic of Croatia

The aim of this paper is making an effort to determine the proportion of economic impacts of recreational running in the Republic of Croatia. These economic impacts primarily imply an attempt to quantify the the expenditure of recreational runners aimed at satisfying their needs related to running activities. Since the public sees recreational running as one of the cheapest physical activities, this paper will try to confirm or deny that popular opinion. Recreational running in the Republic of Croatia has been constantly growing over the past 10 years, and indeed rapidly expanding in recent years, which can be seen in the growth of recreational runners, organized races, group running activities, specialized footwear, clothing, and nutrition shops for runners. An increase of specialized magazines, websites and social network sites, as well as various activities aiming to popularize recreational running is also visible. The fact that many countries have recognized the potential of recreational running, i.e., the economic impacts it brings, is the reason for growing investments in the organization of long- distance races. The potential of recreational running has also been recognized by the entire sports industry, which expands its range of running products on a daily basis, making them now available to ordinary citizens, rather than reserved for professional runners only. The research conducted in this paper itself leads to a conclusion on whether to support investment in recreational sports in general, especially in recreational running. Considering that in the Republic of Croatia more than half of adult citizens and over one third of children are overweight, recreational running has a preventive character. From the point of view of reduced work efficiency, health problems, medical expenses, and even increased mortality of overweight persons, recreational running with its impact on those factors is even more significant for the economy of the Republic of Croatia.

recreational running ; economic impacts ; sports industry ; market potential ; economic development

nije evidentirano