The London Marathon 2021

Photo: Virgin Money London Marathon

Congratulations to all our London Marathon Runners, it’s wonderful to hear about your experiences and the difference your bespoke orthotics made to your race.

The joyful return of London‘s biggest road race

This year saw the 40th anniversary of the London Marathon and it was both affirming and uplifting to see the race reinstated as its real-life, (not-just-virtual), self around the landmarks of London.

Somehow the sight of the vast throng of runners signified not only the passion that the London Marathon inspires but a major stride beyond COVID 19. Something that has held us all back for the last 18 months and now, thankfully, seems to be slipping behind us.

The World Marathon Majors

An iconic race recognised around the world over, The London Marathon is one of ‘World Marathon Majors’ including Tokyo, Boston, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. It has a huge draw attracting over 450,000 entrants in 2020, creating massive competition for the 80,000 available live and virtual places. As such, even getting an opportunity to compete can be a mission in itself, but the reward from this effort are some seriously impressive sums raised for charities around the UK:

The London Marathon is the largest annual fundraising event on the planet – since it began in 1981 participants have raised more than £1 billion for good causes.

The pinnacle of running goals

Despite the entry ‘lottery’, the number of applicants for the London Marathon increases each year so the kudos that come with participating, and finishing cannot be understated. For many everyday runners and athletes alike, competing in this marathon represents a lifelong ambition and the pinnacle of running goals.

A London Marathon finishers medal is a coveted trophy!

Planning to run a Marathon?

Running a successful marathon depends on having a good training plan, and having the right kit. Foot Factor orthotics have supported many amateur runners and athletes for the London Marathon, and other popular distance races. Customer feedback tells us that our orthotics help to improve overall performance, not to mention making 26 miles significantly more comfortable. They also play a role in protecting the feet and legs from repetitive impact, helping runners to avoid injury and other issues (see our case studies).

Our Marathon experience

Our team have huge experience working with distance runners, in fact, Matt works as part of the London Marathon medical support team on the finish line!

Here are just a few of the problems we regularly see and treat:

• ✓ Achilles tendinopathy – a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the Achilles tendon that joins your heel bone to your calf muscles.
• ✓ Patellofemoral pain – felt at the front of the knee around the knee cap.
• ✓ Shin splints – pain and discomfort felt along the shin bone (tibia) at the front of the leg.
• ✓ Plantar fasciitis – pain felt at the bottom of the heel when the ligament under the arch becomes irritated and inflamed