Sports massage students from Cheshire College – South & West’s Crewe campus braced the fog in Knutsford recently in support of the 600 runners taking part in the RunThrough Tatton Park 10k run.
An outstanding 57 treatments took place during the event with students treating participants from as early as 7am for a pre-run warm up.
As the first runners began to cross the finish line, post-race massages were in high demand.
Legwork was the favoured request of the day, involving deep tissue massage to aid recovery and fatigue.
Fiona Notman, lecturer in complementary and sports massage therapy at Cheshire College – South & West, commented: “The students worked really hard during the event, performing over 10 massages each and aiding the runner’s recovery.
“It’s been invaluable experience for them and has enabled them to provide evidence towards the completion of their qualification.
“It’s also given them confidence in their practical abilities within a realistic sporting environment.”
The five students in attendance on the day are currently studying VTCT Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage Therapy and are hoping to subsequently progress to Level 4 following completion.
“It was a busy morning attending to the athletes but equally a really enjoyable day,” said sports massage therapy student Christopher Johnson from Winsford.
“It’s been a great experience for us and was lovely to meet so many grateful runners, many of whom had raised lots of money for charity, so a truly worthy event.”
Fiona added: “I’m really proud of how the students conducted themselves at the event and their performance.
“We’re honoured to have been invited back again and will be working alongside the organisers in other events throughout the year… so there are plenty of opportunities for the students to get some great hands on experience.”
Rob Jowett, RunThrough Tatton Park 10k event organiser said: “The students did a fantastic job on the day.
“They were really enthusiastic and worked tremendously hard throughout the event. It was non-stop, I didn’t even get a look in, it was so busy. They were a true credit to the college.”