London Marathon 2019

A team of BCOM student volunteers was at the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon on 28 April to provide post-race care to runners for the charities Bliss and Versus Arthritis. Third year student Tino Schaaf was also at the capital’s major annual running event, leading the way as a 3-hour pace runner.

The group of 12 BCOM student osteopaths did an excellent job providing post-race care and massage to grateful runners who had just completed the gruelling 26 miles across the city. Registered osteopath and clinic tutor Nick Aston was team leader for the students volunteering for the premature and sick baby charity Bliss. He said: “All the students performed really well and confidently and were able to identify the areas that needed to be treated post-race for the athletes running for Bliss. Well done to all!”

Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive of Bliss said: “BCOM has supported our Marathon runners for many years now and we are extremely grateful for all they do to make the experience so special for our fundraisers – they really do make a huge difference.”

The London Marathon is the biggest fundraising event of the year for the charity Versus Arthritis and this year 72 runners took part. BCOM’s Osteopathic Technique and Clinic Tutor Zain Panjwani was team leader for the students treating the charity’s runners.

Lizzie Wilson, Events Fundraising Officer at Versus Arthritis said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to BCOM for generously providing the charity with volunteer masseurs for the London Marathon again this year. Thank you also to Zain and all of the students who gave up their time on the day to come along!

All of the runners came back from their massage looking really refreshed. They were full of praise for the students, not only for sorting out their aching muscles, but for taking the time to listen to what they needed. The students also took the time to talk to the runners about how they were doing, and why they were running in aid of Versus Arthritis. You really looked after our supporters and made them feel really special. Many runners had such a positive experience at the post-race reception that they carried on fundraising after the marathon weekend! The total raised now stands at £173,000 and counting. Thank you!”

Third year student Tino Schaaf was asked to be a 3-hour pace runner at the London Marathon one month prior to the event due to a cancellation. Fortunately, with his years of experience running triathlons and completing a 2:47 marathon in 2018, he was keen to take up the opportunity.

Tino said: “Overall it was a very pleasant and positive experience and finishing the marathon was amazing! Afterwards I was lucky enough to visit my BCOM classmates close by who gave me a post-race massage. It was an unforgettable day where I met many very friendly people who came together from all around the world to run the marathon and share this unique experience.”

Date Posted: 15/05/2019 | Posted In: College News