News Centre

Marathon massage

16 October 2009

Maraton feet

Runners competing in the Cardiff Half Marathon (18 October 2009) can get help with their post-race aches and pains thanks to a team of physiotherapists from the University.

More than 60 undergraduate students and professional clinicians from the School of Healthcare Studies will be on hand at the end of the 13.1 mile race to provide soft tissue massages to the thousands of competitors taking part.

Liz Evans, a senior lecturer at the School will be part of the physiotherapy team at the event. "The Cardiff Half Marathon is an ideal opportunity for the University to show its support for local events and to make good use of the excellent skills of our students and our graduates," said Liz.

"Race participants should look for the Cardiff University marquee where our physiotherapists will be waiting to provide them with a free massage to help with recovery from the run."

The School offers undergraduate and postgraduate physiotherapy qualifications and conducts research in three key areas: rehabilitation; promotion and maintenance of a healthy active lifestyle; and the evaluation of healthcare service delivery and development of professional practice.

Professor Paul Morgan (far right) pictured with some of the staff from the School of Medicine taking part in the Half Marathon - Jo Pugh, Aled Holt, Gareth Pugh, Andrew Pearce and Adam Parsons (right-left).

As well as providing physiotherapy support at the Half Marathon, the University will have a presence in the event itself, with staff and students taking part. One of those competing is Dean of the School of Medicine, Professor Paul Morgan.

Professor Morgan is one of a group of staff from the School who will run the distance to raise money for the Dr Jack Matthews Scholarship Fund.

Launched in April 2009 the fund is a joint campaign between the School and Cardiff Medicals RFC. It aims to provide financial support for the medics of the future through scholarships, bursaries and prizes.

Dr Jack Matthews OBE studied at Cardiff’s School of Medicine and practiced as a GP for more than 45 years. He was an accomplished sportsman, playing rugby for Cardiff, Wales, the Barbarians and the British Lions.

To sponsor the team from the School of Medicine, please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/medicrunning/