Solent students provide support for runners at high profile marathons

Students from the University’s BSc Sport and Exercise Therapy course were at the heart of the action on race day in Southampton, providing free massage and sports therapy treatments to hundreds of runners with the support of Lecturer, Beth Taylor. Based in the race village at Guildhall Square, the students supported participants throughout the day, helping to reduce muscle soreness, aid recovery, and support injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Now in its eleventh year, the initiative offers students invaluable real world experience while delivering tangible benefits to the local running community. Under the supervision of experienced staff, students treated runners both before and after the race, enhancing the overall event experience for participants and spectators alike.

Course Lead for Sports and Exercise Therapy, Dr Lynsey Northeast, said:

“Supporting the Southampton Marathon is a fantastic opportunity for our students to apply their skills in a busy and active environment while making a meaningful contribution to the local community.

“Being part of such a major event allows them to gain invaluable professional experience, while helping runners perform at their best and recover safely. We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented the University and supported participants throughout the day.”

The collaboration reflects Southampton Solent University’s commitment to its role as a civic university, actively contributing to public engagement, community wellbeing, and live sporting events across the region.

A week earlier, students travelled to London to provide similar support at the London Marathon. Working in busy post-race recovery areas under the supervision of Lynsey and Tasha Furnell, the students applied their professional training to help reduce soreness, promote healing, and ensure runners left the finish line in better shape.

Solent University’s Sport and Exercise Therapy course is accredited by The Society of Sports Therapists, ensuring graduates meet industry recognised professional standards. Students benefit from extensive placement opportunities, scholarships, job prospects, and insurance cover for work based learning.

Placement experiences include opportunities with some of the UK’s top sports teams, giving students unrivalled exposure to professional sporting environments even before graduation.

All students studying sports related courses also have access to the University’s state‑of‑the‑art sports complex, which features two sports halls, dedicated strength and conditioning and teaching gyms, and a specialised sport and exercise therapy floor. The therapy floor includes three bespoke clinical spaces, allowing students to develop practical skills in a real‑world setting while treating athletes and clients under expert supervision.