Physiotherapy volunteers keep marathon runners on their feet
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Published
13 May 2025
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The University of East London’s Physiotherapy staff and students made a key contribution to the success of this year’s TCS London Marathon, offering vital support to some of the 56,000 participants who took on the iconic course through the capital.
A team of 30 UEL volunteers joined over 200 physiotherapy professionals as part of the official London Marathon Medical Team, delivering hands-on care at key points along the route and at the finish line on The Mall. Their expertise proved invaluable in treating a wide range of acute injuries and helping fatigued runners recover after the race.
The TCS London Marathon, one of the world's largest and most prestigious distance running events, attracts elite athletes, enthusiastic amateurs, and thousands running for charitable causes. With runners pushing their physical limits, the need for expert medical and physiotherapy support has never been more important.
Real-world experience
UEL’s involvement was led by Liz Nicholls, London Marathon Lead Physiotherapist and Course Lead for the BSc Physiotherapy programme at UEL.
She said,
“I was delighted and honoured to have such amazing support from UEL colleagues and students as part of my team this year. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience, and our students were exceptional in both professionalism and care.”
Lou Fox, one of the Course Station Leads responsible for coordinating on-the-ground efforts, echoed the praise. “It’s always been a pleasure to work with students on marathon day, but the UEL students on my team excelled above any that I have worked with before.”
Learning beyond the classroom
For UEL students, the London Marathon is more than a volunteering opportunity, it’s a chance to apply their academic learning in a real-world setting.
Liz Nicholls said, “Our students gain a rare chance to support people at the peak of exertion, under time pressure, with real consequences. It builds not only their technical skill but also their confidence, communication, and decision-making - skills that are crucial in any healthcare setting.”
If you choose to study the BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy degree, you can expect a dynamic, hands-on education that combines scientific theory with real-world clinical experience. The course is designed to equip you with the skills needed to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of physical conditions. You'll learn in state-of-the-art facilities alongside experienced academics and practising clinicians, with opportunities for clinical placements in NHS and private healthcare settings.