Why Do We Run in a Sporting Event? A Gender Perspective through the Half-Marathon of Cordoba, Spain

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The article provides a detailed and relevant description in the field, with significant contributions. The authors meticulously explain the methodology used to carry out the study and analyze the results. However, it would be beneficial for the reader if the study's objective were mentioned earlier, ideally at the beginning of the introduction, along with justification for the need to explore new dimensions of motivation to participate in half marathons. This would help better contextualize the study from the outset.

Furthermore, it is essential that the new dimensions of motivation considered are presented more prominently in the introduction section rather than relegating this information to the conclusions. Introducing these dimensions from the beginning would allow readers to better understand the focus and objectives of the study.

It would be pertinent to address how the study was adapted to the Spanish context, as well as whether participants from other countries were included. It would also be helpful to mention if the questionnaire used was available only in Spanish or if versions in other languages were provided, which could have important implications for interpreting the results and generalizing the findings.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I am honored to serve as the reviewer for this article entitled "Why do we run in a sporting event? A gender perspective through the Half-Marathon of Cordoba Spain," here are my comments and suggestions for improvement across the specified sections:

1. The introduction effectively sets the stage for the study by contextualizing the importance of understanding participants' motivations in sporting events, with a novel focus on gender differences. It critically engages with existing literature, highlighting the need for fresh case studies. However, it could benefit from a clearer articulation of the research gap it aims to fill, specifically how this study's gender-focused analysis offers new insights beyond existing motivation frameworks. It is also recommended that the authors compile previous research perspectives on gender and sports participation and, based on the research questions, deduce various research hypotheses to be tested.

2. The methodology is robust, utilizing a well-structured questionnaire and a comprehensive statistical analysis to explore gender differences in motivation. The sampling and data collection process is thorough, ensuring a representative sample of participants. Improvement could include a more detailed justification for the choice of specific statistical tests and a discussion on potential biases or limitations in data collection and analysis methods.

3. The results section provides valuable insights into the motivations of marathon participants, successfully identifying new dimensions of motivation and gender differences. The statistical analysis is presented clearly, with significant findings highlighted. To enhance this section, the authors could give more in-depth interpretation of how these results compare with existing studies, potentially offering richer insights into the underlying reasons for gender differences observed.

4. The conclusion succinctly summarizes the key findings and their implications for sports event management and gender studies in sports. It rightly points out the social and managerial implications of understanding gendered motivations. As an improvement, the authors could propose specific recommendations for event organizers on how to cater to these diverse motivations to enhance participation and satisfaction among both genders. Additionally, acknowledging the study's limitations more explicitly and suggesting directions for future research would strengthen the conclusion's impact.

Overall, this study makes a significant contribution to the literature on sports motivation and gender, providing actionable insights for practitioners in the field. With minor improvements in clarity and depth, particularly in the methods and results interpretation, this work could offer even more robust guidance for both academics and practitioners interested in the intersection of gender, motivation, and sports participation.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Please rewrite the title of Table 7 into English.

Author Response

Please see the attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf