A marathon effort as students lend support at one the country’s biggest running events

A band of students from University of Northampton (UON) travelled to the capital last weekend, on a mission to lend healing hands to London Marathon runners.

Final-year Podiatry students followed in the footsteps of generations of their peers to provide end-of-the-route advice and health treatments.

Many graduates – some from nearly 20 years ago – still cite the experience as a formative one in their personal and professional lives.

Around 56,640 people completed the London Marathon – the UK’s biggest full marathon – this year, setting a new Guinness World Record for the most marathon finishers.

Eleven UON students took part, including Sarah Finucane. She says: “I was working within the medical team coordinated by St John Ambulance, an organisation I deeply admire for its commitment to delivering rapid-response first aid across the community. I found it professionally enriching being involved in such a collaborative environment.

“During the event, I treated runners suffering from blisters and various foot-related injuries, many of whom were visibly exhausted but exhilarated after completing the marathon. It was a humbling experience to care for them – they had run just over 26 miles on quite a hot day!

“As a runner myself, I loved hearing all about their running stories. In a small but meaningful way, I was able to help make their feet more comfortable as they prepared to go home on public transport.

“This experience not only strengthened my clinical confidence but also reinforced my desire to contribute meaningfully to community healthcare, so much that I will be volunteering next year in the medical tent unless I run the London Marathon myself – it is on the bucket list!”

Krishna Gohil, Senior Lecturer in Podiatry, was part of the team. She says: “We had an incredible day first aiding at the London Marathon Finish Tent! We are so proud of our amazing team of final-year students.

“They dealt with muscle injuries, running wounds and blisters, and even checked blood pressures, displaying their excellent team working skills with the multidisciplinary group of paramedics, physiotherapists, and medics. It was a day full of pride and passion for podiatry!”

Three University staff members completed the London Marathon for three separate charities. Their finish times were:

• Dr Onur Acaroğlu, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, ran for the South London Refugee Association – 4 hrs and 19 mins.
• Dr Mike Starr, Associate Professor in Film and Screen Studies, ran for mental health charity Mind – 4 hrs and 55 mins.
• Paddy McConway, International Marketing Manager, ran for Tommy’s baby loss charity – 4 hours and 58 minutes.