Physiotherapy students support hundreds of runners at the Cardiff Half Marathon

Seventy-two physiotherapy students from across Cardiff University’s undergraduate, pre-registration MSc and postgraduate taught MSc Physiotherapy programmes played a key role in supporting runners at the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Working alongside members of School of Healthcare Sciences staff and Cardiff University physiotherapy alumni, students helped deliver support to elite athletes before and after the race, as well as providing post-race massage treatments for mass participation runners.

The activity took place across the race weekend, with support provided to elite runners on Friday evening and Saturday morning, before students and staff returned on race day to assist participants after they crossed the finish line.

In total, the team delivered 497 post-race massages, helping runners recover while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a busy and rewarding real-world environment.

The Cardiff Half Marathon has been supported by the School of Healthcare Sciences physiotherapy team since 2009 and continues to provide students with opportunities to apply their learning beyond the classroom. Through direct interaction with runners, students were able to develop practical physiotherapy skills, communication techniques and teamwork, while contributing to one of the city’s largest community sporting events.

Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, Sian Knott, said:

“Delivering 497 post-race massages was an incredible achievement, but what really stayed with me were the conversations we had with the runners. We heard so many humbling stories about why people were taking part and the charities and causes they were raising money for.

“It was a constant and intense period of work for our students, but they embraced it brilliantly. The feedback from runners was overwhelmingly positive, with all but four rating their experience as excellent and the remaining four as very good.

“Seeing the students put their skills into practice, support each other and make such a positive difference to hundreds of runners made me incredibly proud. There is so much they can take away from an experience like this, both professionally and personally. Of course, this wouldn’t be possible without the support from our staff, so I would like to thank them as well.”

Level 5 Physiotherapy student Shea Clark said:

“What a brilliant morning at the Cardiff Half Marathon. I had the amazing opportunity to provide post-race massage for the elite finishers. It was enlightening being able to chat to them after the race.”

Molly Hackman, a Year 3 BSc Physiotherapy student, said:

“Having the opportunity to provide massage for the elite and mass participation runners in the Cardiff Half Marathon was amazing! It was a great way to put our skills into practice in real life, and I learnt so much from the experience. There was an amazing atmosphere and I feel very grateful to have been involved. Thanks Cardiff University for the opportunity!”

One runner who used the service said:

“The post-race massage was really fantastic. I think it’s a brilliant facility. It’s a great opportunity to get the students involved and get them some experience.”

The initiative reflects Cardiff University’s commitment to community engagement, enabling students and staff to use their expertise to support local events while gaining valuable professional experience that will benefit future healthcare practice.