Title: Characteristics ofcompetitors in natural survivals Aim: This graduation paper brings a comprehensive overview about the sport branch "natural survival", its organization, structure and race character. The main aim is to :find the characteristics of a group of competitors, their preparation, equipment, way of living and specializations. Method: Research material for our graduation paper has been collected through: Results: Quantitative data collection - a questionnaire. Document analysis, analysis of written materials and websites - qualitative content analysis. Preparation ofcompetitors for these races is not speci:fic. Race attractiveness decides the most about the competitors' participation in individua! races, and race duration decides the least. It is possible to include these races for testing skills, abilities and team cooperation for common sports people with the doser relation to outdoor sports. Comparison of number of competitors in the last years has confinned that the number ofcompetitors has settled down. A new sport branch "natural survival" has been formed. Keywords: Natural survival, sociological research, competitors' preparation and equipment, communication. Strana
