About the research

My PhD research examines how people share information about ultrarunning on social media. Running is an information-rich leisure activity and sport. I’m aiming to explore this rich information landscape, and learn more about how runners share, create and use information.

Reflecting on my own experiences with information as a runner led me to question how others were engaging with information in online communities and on social media. I realised I was spending a lot of time on the internet reading about running. There is a lot of information out there, from conversations in Facebook groups to YouTube channels and podcasts. My background in teaching people about searching for information led me to think about how runners use information. What information is used to inform training and racing, where does this information come from, and how is it shared within the community?

My work is interdisciplinary but has a home within the community of information behaviour research. Information behaviour focuses on understanding why people seek information and how they use it. I’m interested in how ultramarathon runners develop knowledge to inform their practice and the culture of information sharing on social media.