[Bernese runner study '84--methodology, response rate and comparison between respondents and nonrespondents].

Over 7000 joggers (competitors of a 10 miles-road-run were studied by questionnaire. The response-rate of 83,6% (76,1% after reviewing) was probably due to the far-going integration of the survey in the running-event. The respondents were significantly older and (after age correction) faster runners than the non-respondents. No significant differences in response-rate could be found between men and women and between French and German speaking joggers.