A survey research design was employed to explore the relationship between negative addiction to running and running commitment, through the construct of running enjoyment, amongst black, Zulu-speaking runners. Translated versions of the Biographical Information Questionnaire (Leask, 1997), Negative Addiction Scale (Hailey & Bailey, 1982), and Running Enjoyment Questionnaire (Basson & Macpherson, 1998) were administered to an opportunity sample of 79 Zulu-speaking runners, drawn from athletic clubs in the Durban and Pietermaritzburg regions of KwaZulu-Natal. On the basis of their negative addiction scale scores, runners were assigned to either a high (n = 23), moderate (n= 35), or low addiction group (n= 21). Multiple correlation analyses, parametric and nonparametric analysis of variance procedures, factor . analyses, and multiple regression procedures were used to examine the relationship between running dependence, the four sources of running enjoyment, and demographic variables. Significant relationships were found between running dependence and all four sources of running enjoyment. Further, the length of running history , the importance given to running by the participant, perceived fitness levels, and the number of Comrades marathons run were shown to play a role in both running dependence and commitment processes. For Zulu-speaking runners, both intrinsic and achievement running enjoyment sources were found to be more motivating than either extrinsic or nonachievement factors. Extrinsic and achievement factors were found to be more motivating for Zulu-speaking runners compared to Macpherson's (1998) sample of white runners. These results were discussed with reference to the literature on running dependence, running commitment, and cultural influences on motivation. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2000.