Marathon season is finally here. Whether you’re gearing up for a half-marathon, a park run, or a couch-to-5k, all runners want to start strong. They also want to make it to the finish line injury-free. But those final weeks of training can be marred by sudden “niggles” and pain that threaten months of hard work.
New research commissioned by Deep Relief,[1] the topical muscle and joint pain specialists, reveals that the most common issues for runners training for long-distance endurance events were:
- Fatigue (41%)
- Muscle strain (36%)
- Sore feet (29%)
Noel Wicks, a leading pharmacist and advocate of Deep Relief, says: “Marathons are the ultimate test of endurance and stamina. Training should not be taken lightly, as poor preparation can quickly lead to tiredness, aches, and serious injuries.
“When you’re pushing your body to its limit, whether a park run, half-marathon, or indeed going for over 26 miles, pain management is crucial ー not just during the race, but also in the build-up to the event and during the recovery period afterwards.”
Training is intense, so it’s no surprise that injuries can be a frequent occurrence. In fact, the new Deep Relief research showed that 80% of people have suffered back, joint, or muscle pain due to their active hobbies.1
Clara Kervyn, a physiotherapist and musculoskeletal specialist who swears by Deep Relief, explains: “Runners endure repetitive strain for long periods of time. As muscles fatigue, they become less effective at absorbing shock. Consequently, this creates a domino effect where stress is transferred to joints and tendons. This leads to the aches, stiffness, tight muscles, and pain that many runners feel.”
But despite pain being such a regular occurrence ー 67% of Brits have experienced muscle pain in their legs, knees, back, or feet ー many of us feel the need to hide our pain.
The Deep Relief survey found that a huge 75% of respondents admitted to masking or hiding their pain. The most common reasons for this were:
- 27.5% felt they just had to put up with pain
- 19.1% thought that they were overreacting
- 15.6% said that masking might help ease the pain
“It’s important not to ignore tension and strains, particularly during the taper period before a race, as this can lead to long-term setbacks and turn manageable niggles into race-ending injuries,” urges Noel Wicks.
“Instead, addressing pain early using topical solutions like Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel and Deep Relief Duo Joint Pain Gel can be a very effective pain management technique. Furthermore, it can help you run your best race.”
For marathon runners, the consequences of ignoring pain can be severe. Yet according to the Deep Relief data, more than 50% of people take at least a week or two to act when they feel back, muscle, or joint pain. This has a knock-on effect for mental health. For example, 50% of Brits reported sleepless nights when they felt pain, 42% said pain makes it hard to get out of bed, and 32% found they struggled to even go to work. 1
Additionally, the same research revealed that 40% feel frustrated or annoyed because their pain means they cannot participate in their chosen hobby. Given that 54% of people report low moods and 37% have experienced a lack of motivation, marathon runners who ignore or mistreat their pain can experience a greater emotional toll. This goes beyond physical pain. 1
“Despite three-fifths of people wanting to do more exercise to improve their overall wellbeing, neglecting physical pain and sports injuries can actually worsen your mental health,” says Clara Kervyn.
She adds: “To reduce the negative impacts of pain while running or training, it’s crucial to devote more time to stretching. Additionally, you should prioritise quality sleep, and use effective topical pain relief products like Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel and Deep Relief Duo Joint Pain Gel.”
As any marathon runner will know, the race doesn’t end when you cross the finish line. 91% of Brits agree that pain in one area can easily spread to another if untreated. Therefore, it’s vital to keep on top of pain management even in the post-marathon recovery period.
“If you ignore a minor knee pain, your body will naturally compensate, leading to hip or lower-back pain as you change your gait to protect the injured area,” explains Noel Wicks.
“That’s why runners should take a holistic approach to pain management. You have your training plan, your nutrition plan, and you should also have your recovery plan.” Combining lower-impact activities and dedicated rest gives muscles and joints the time they need to recover.
Deep Relief gels – Providing Triple-Action Pain Relief
For any runner experiencing discomfort, topical gels provide simple, effective pain relief during training and recovery. Unlike oral painkillers, which must be processed through the system, topical gels target the source of the pain directly. The Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel and Deep Relief Duo Joint Pain Gel use a triple-action formula to provide cooling relief, penetrating pain relief and anti-inflammatory action. Therefore, these products help runners to manage localised swelling and discomfort without disrupting their entire body’s chemistry.
Noel Wicks explains the science behind the effectiveness of this targeted approach: “The Deep Relief Duo formula is unique because it is the only anti-inflammatory gel in the UK to combine Ibuprofen and Levomenthol.
“Ibuprofen is an effective, evidence-backed Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), which helps to reduce pain and inflammation. Meanwhile, Levomenthol works on the nerve endings in the skin, giving a soothing, cooling effect.
“Combined into an aqueous gel, the two ingredients penetrate through the skin rapidly to target the source of pain, achieving high, therapeutically relevant local concentrations in underlying soft tissues, muscles and joints.”
The Deep Relief Duo Pain Relief Gel starts to work within 10 minutes, targeting muscular aches, back pains, rheumatism, swellings, strains, and sprains. The effectiveness of this gel is clear: 81% of users reported relief from muscle and joint pain.
The Deep Relief Joint Pain Gel also starts to work in 10 minutes but is specially formulated for pain relief of non-serious arthritic conditions. This helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
Deep Relief have also created a non-medicated product: the Deep Relief Actiflex Patch. Utilising hydrogel technology, it provides targeted cooling and soothing relief for up to 12 hours. This is ideal for runners who need sustained relief while on the move and at night.
With a flexible fit design that’s ideal for joint areas like shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, wrists and ankles, the patch can be conveniently worn under clothing or while sleeping.
“Since sleep is when the body repairs itself, soothing relief from a product like the Deep Relief Actiflex Patch before bed can help runners get a good night’s sleep before and after a race,” says Noel Wicks.
In summary, Noel Wicks says: “Running a marathon, or any long-distance race, is a gruelling event that requires runners to take care of their bodies. Your muscles and joints will naturally be subject to significant strain. That is why pain management is such a big part of preparation and aftercare.
“With the science of Deep Relief gels behind you, you can manage the pain and focus on the incredible achievement of finishing a marathon.”
-ends-
[1] The research was run by Market Research specialists Clariti, part of the Savanta group, part of the British Polling Council. 1,014 respondents polled; Spring 2026
This poll adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct based on the ESOMAR principles.
