Brighton podiatry students support London Marathon runners

The team, made up of undergraduate and postgraduate podiatry students from the university’s School of Education, Sport and Health Science, joined healthcare professionals inside the medical tents at this year’s TCS London Marathon on 27 April providing expert foot and lower limb care to thousands of runners. Their role involved treating everything from blisters and sprains to more complex injuries which podiatrists are specially trained to assess and manage.

Working alongside physiotherapists, doctors, nurses and St John Ambulance staff, the students gained hands-on experience in a setting away from their usual clinical setup, while demonstrating the importance of podiatry in sport science. This initiative marks over a decade of successful collaboration between the University of Brighton and the Royal College of Podiatry, providing hands-on opportunities for students to put their learning into practice.

Natalie Morris, a Podiatry master’s student volunteering at the event, said prior to the weekend: “I am so looking forward to being at this year's London Marathon. It feels like a brilliant way to learn so much about supporting runners with foot care at the same time as congratulating them on their fabulous achievement. I have been to the marathon several times to cheer on all the amazing runners raising vital funds for important causes and loved the atmosphere on the day. Now, I feel so privileged to be part of the event in an even more significant way while practicing my podiatry skills.”

Fellow master’s student Joe Voon said: “This great experience is essential for my development on the course, helping me build confidence, connections and practical knowledge that will be invaluable in my future career. The London Marathon is an incredible opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world setting, working alongside professionals and supporting athletes on their journey.”

Adam Amoo who is studying Podiatry BSc(Hons) said: “As a second-year student, I have begun exploring all the different ventures for podiatrists. Sports is definitely one area I would love to go into, and this will be a great opportunity to get hands-on experience. I am certain this experience at the London Marathon will positively develop my skills in accessing, treating and managing injuries.”

The students were led by Dr Dao Tunprasert, a podiatry senior lecturer who has been attending the London Marathon since she was a podiatry student at the University of Brighton more than a decade ago.

Dao said: “We are proud to be taking podiatry students to volunteer as part of the medical team at the London Marathon again this year. The London Marathon is a fast-paced, high-pressure environment that challenges our students in ways they won’t experience in a typical clinic. It is an excellent opportunity for students to be involved with and apply their knowledge and skills in a different setting than they are used to. We also hope that this opportunity might inspire some students to specialise in sports podiatry in the future.”

The University of Brighton is one of the UK’s leading centres for podiatry education, offering innovative teaching, real-world placements, and strong links with NHS trusts, sports organisations, and the wider healthcare sector.

The university’s Falmer campus which hosts the School of Education, Sport and Health Science recently underwent significant refurbishment and expansion, bringing with it world-class facilities redefining teaching, learning and research as well as new sport and leisure facilities for students, staff and the local community.