Uncovering the motivations of sport tourism volunteers: Insights from the Athens Marathon

Authors

  • Michael Fysentzidis Department of Sport Management, University of Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece.
  • Athanasios Strigas Department of Sport Management, University of Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece.
  • Lazaros Ntasis Department of Sport Management, University of Peloponnese, Sparta, Greece.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.598391
Keywords: Volunteer Tourism, Motivation, Performance, Athens Marathon

Abstract

This study aimed to uncover the underlying motivations and goals of sports tourism volunteers who dedicated themselves to the Athens Marathon. It presented a comprehensive and timely examination of sport tourism by employing qualitative research methods, such as interviews and participant observation. The study involved 18 participants who were part of the “Athens Marathon, the Authentic” in Greece in 2020. A qualitative online survey was developed as part of a longitudinal study and encompassed a set of open-ended inquiries addressing travel planning, motives underlying sport volunteer, and prior volunteer engagements. The findings of this study shed light on the motivations and goals of tourism volunteers participating in the Athens Marathon, revealing three primary motives: egoism, leisure, satisfaction, and acknowledgment of expertise. Egoistic motives were prominent among volunteers, driven by desires for personal recognition and achievement through their involvement in a prestigious event. Leisure motives underscored the integration of travel and recreational interests with volunteerism, enhancing the fulfilling experiences of volunteers. Satisfaction and acknowledgment of expertise were also substantial, with volunteers deriving fulfillment from their contributions and seeking recognition for specialized skills in areas such as event management and logistics. These findings contribute by emphasizing the importance of tailored volunteer engagement strategies for enhancing participant satisfaction and event success.

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Published
17-11-2025
How to Cite
Fysentzidis, M., Strigas, A., & Ntasis, L. (2025). Uncovering the motivations of sport tourism volunteers: Insights from the Athens Marathon. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 14, 119. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.598391
Issue
Vol. 14 (2025)
Section
Articles

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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:

1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.

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