To determine how many people take part in full and half-marathon events and to find out how frequently they compete; to describe competitors' demographic, social and sporting backgrounds and their training regime; to discover why such people are involved; to assess the impact on the lives of competitors and their families; to consider competitors' views on the present state and future development of the sport. A follow-up study of responders was carried out in 1985 to study changes in patterns of participation. Variables Variables related to training, sporting background, reasons for starting and continuing running and competing, effect of competing and training, views on state of sport, family involvement and views, future plans. Demographic variables.