Running continues to be one of the more popular sports enjoyed by all ages. Regardless of
the popularity of the sport, limited research currently exists to quantify the apparel purchase
behavior of runners. This research studied variables that influenced purchase intentions of
runners at different levels of involvement. The runners were categorized by the dualistic
theory of passion, and their purchase intentions toward apparel brands for running were
investigated from the self-congruity perspective. Runners completed an online survey that
provided comprehensive information on their running behavior and their past and future
apparel purchases. Exploratory factor analysis was used to investigate the dualistic theory of
passion and self-congruity theory on the running population. Four variables were found to be
important predictors of purchase intentions for all runners: Self-Image Congruence, Function,
Aesthetic, and Technology Appeal. Further, logistic regression was used to determine which
variables significantly influenced purchase intentions of runners in each category. Based on
the findings, a theoretical framework was proposed. This study concluded that functional
attributes of running apparel influence runners’ purchase intentions.