More than 60 students from St Mary’s University College, Twickenham are supporting runners at this weekend’s Virgin London Marathon by offering free sports massages at the finish line.
St Mary’s has a long-standing relationship with the London Marathon, which has helped to fund the University College’s Endurance programme since 2001. This led to St Mary’s in partnership with the London Marathon forming its Endurance Performance and Coaching Centre (EPACC) in 2010. The Centre supports a number of world-class athletes, including Scott Overall who will compete in this weekend’s race, and Mo Farah who was based at the Centre for ten years.
A contingent of students from the Undergraduate Sports Rehabilitation Course, Professional Short Course in Sports Massage and Foundation Course in Sport, Health and Fitness will be offering free sports massages to runners from 12 different charities: Action Medical Research, Beating Bowel Cancer, Shooting Star Hospice, Breast Cancer Care, Water Aid, Mencap, Whizz Kids, Anthony Nolan Trust, Marie Curie, Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer UK and Princess Alice Hospice.
Students have been supporting charities at the London Marathon for more than ten years. It offers a unique opportunity for the students to give their time to help good causes and ease out tired muscles at the post-event reception venues.
St Mary’s Programme Director for Sport Rehabilitation Claire Mcloughlin commented, “This is an amazing opportunity for our students, to be involved in the London Marathon, providing a service to both runners and the charities. This year is our biggest year to date with 65 students providing post event massage for 12 different charity organisations. Our students are always keen to be involved in such events, especially when it’s for charity. Both Staff and students are looking forward to an enjoyable day.”
A number of staff and students from across the University College will also be running on the day, raising money for a variety of charities.
Media enquiries
Press team
020 8240 8262