Are you running the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon?

On Sunday 11th May thousands of runners will take to the streets of Leeds as part of the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon. It promises to be a fantastic event and represents the culmination of a lot of training for many of the participants.

Whether you are an experienced marathon runner or it's your first time, taking care of your body before and after such a big event is absolutely crucial to keep you performing your best.

Lots of people talk about the importance of a good night's sleep before the event but if you can't sleep (from excitement or nerves) please don't panic. Resting without sleeping is still really effective. Try lying down and doing some positive visualisations about how well the big day will go.

On the lead up to the marathon, remember to stay hydrated - hot water and herbal teas are a great way of doing this. During the marathon itself, remember to keep hydrated, go at your own pace, and keep checking in with yourself and your form.

Our experienced therapists offer tailored Pre- and Post-Event Massage to support athletes at every stage of their journey.

Pre-Event Massage

Designed to complement (never replace!) a physical warm-up, pre-event massage helps prepare the body and mind for optimal performance. The approach varies based on the athlete, sport, environment, and individual needs.

Key benefits include:

• Increasing blood flow to key muscles

• Reducing muscle tension for better mobility

• Enhancing mental focus ahead of the event

  
  

Depending on the setting, massage can be performed over clothing or directly on the skin, using different techniques and positions (seated, standing, or lying down).

Post-Event Massage

Post-event massage helps with recovery and relaxation, ideally within 2 to 6 hours after the event, though benefits extend to the following days.

Before beginning, therapists must assess to ensure the athlete: 

• have not sustained an injury requiring first aid, 

• have completed a cool down,

• are not dehydrated,

• are coherent and rational (as opposed to feeling dizzy, confused, unsteady etc). 

Let your therapist know about any issues you experienced such as cramps, pain or sorenes, so that they can tailor the approach. This massage tends to be slower and deeper than pre-event work, aiding muscle restoration, easing stiffness, and soothing cramping.

Ready to elevate your event preparation and recovery? Book in your treatment after the marathon with Sports Therapist, Dagmar.

Use our brand new Online Booking System to check for appointments with Dagmar or Ruth - and good luck with the marathon!