As the nation gears up for the UK’s biggest running race in London, Deliveroo has teamed up with Boots to create the ultimate ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ hub to help aid runners post-marathon recovery.
Handpicked by Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely, a celebrity fitness and running coach, the Deliveroo and Boots ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ hub shows runners ten products selected from our range to help support the recovery of the top ten most common post-run effects, as voted for by UK runners in a Deliveroo survey.
Speaking about the product selection process, celebrity fitness coach Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely said: “Research commissioned by Deliveroo of 500 UK runners found that 100% of long-distance** runners suffer after a race, with the most common effects being tiredness (37%), sore feet (33%) and muscle strain (28%). These can be uncomfortable at best and painful at worst, so I recommend a number of great products that can help aid your recovery.”
Delivered direct to doorsteps in less than 30 minutes, the ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ hub includes everything from protein bars and snacks for refuelling after the finish line to Epsom salts for the ultimate muscle relaxation and mini-massagers to alleviate muscle and joint soreness.
The ‘Marathon Roo-covery hub’ is exclusively available on Deliveroo app or website via Boots – with all products handpicked to aid recovery of the top ten most common effects as voted for by runners – these include: (check out the full list of top after effects of marathon running in the notes to editors***):
Tiredness (experienced by nearly 4 in 10 or 37% of runners)
Recommended product: Westlab Epsom Bath Salts – £3
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says: “To help combat post-run tiredness, add a scoop of Epsom bath salts to a warm bath for the ultimate mind-body recovery. Soak for 20 minutes. These salts will help relax muscles and help set you up for a restful night.”
Sore Feet (experienced by over 3 in 10 or 33% of runners)
Recommended product: Boots Tea Tree & Peppermint Moisturising Foot Socks – 1 pair £2.25
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says, “These moisturising foot socks promise to deeply soothe sore and tired feet; the tingley tea tree & peppermint fragrance will also undoubtedly stimulate your senses and offer a much-needed calming experience after a long day running on the streets of London.”
Muscle Strain(experienced by nearly 3 in 10 or 28% of runners)
Recommended product: Boots Hot & Cold Compress – £8.00
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says, “It’s common for runners to suffer acute muscle injuries. Stick to a cold compress for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, bruises, strains, and sprains, then switch to heat to promote healing and relaxation. If the pain and discomfort continue, seek medical attention; for example, book a visit with a GP.
Lack of hydration (experienced by nearly 3 in 10 or 27% of runners)
Recommended product: Phizz Orange 3-in-1 Hydration, Electrolytes and Vitamins Effervescent Tablets – 20 Tablets – £9.20
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says, “When we run, we sweat and breathe much more than we do at rest, increasing the loss of water, minerals and essential salts. It’s key to maintain hydration and replace electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium which you may have lost. Regularly hydrate at the race water stations and bring a bottle of water and hydration tablets to start hydrating as soon as you’ve crossed the finish line.”
Blister (experienced by over a quarter or 26% of runners)
Recommended product: Compeed Hydrocolloid Blister Plaster Medium – Pack of 5 – £5.15
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says, “Blisters are caused by moisture and friction around your feet. I strongly advise that you have a well-fitting pair of running shoes that you’ve broken-in during your training. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters. Moisture-wicking socks will also help. In case you do get a blister. Pack some flip-flops to pop on post-marathon, and apply cushioned blister plasters to kick-start the healing process.”
Headache (experienced by a quarter or 25% of runners)
Recommended product: Boots Cooling Headache and Migraine Pads (4 Pads) £3.75
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says: “If you suffer from a headache, which can be common after a long run like a marathon, try one of these cooling pads for instant relief from the discomfort. If you are just feeling hot, these pads are also a perfect quick fix for cooling you down; there is no need to keep them in the fridge either; simply take out the pack and let the pad do the work!”
Lower Back Pain (experienced by 2 in 10 or 21% of runners)
Recommended product: Boots Back Brace with Power Straps £35.65
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says: “ALWAYS do a full run prep and mobility before you hit the road. Due to volume, tension and strains can build up in the lower back after running for long periods. Active recovery can help; try simple slow stretches to bring relief, such as a child’s pose, knee-to-chest stretch, and cat-cow. A back brace can also provide extra support for your lower back during the day if needed.”
Ankle Strain (experienced by 2 in 10 or 20% of runners)
Recommended product: TheraPearl Cold Therapy Sports Pack – £9.80
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says, “Put a sports pack in the freezer the night before, ready for your victorious return. Ankle injuries are common for runners, as every step puts weight and pressure on your ankles. Elevate your ankle and ice for 20 minutes to help relieve aches, pains, swelling, and bruising.“
Stiff joints (experienced by 2 in 10 or 20% of runners)
Recommended product: Homedics Quattro Mini Massager NOV37 – £11.45
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says, “This hand-held mini massager is the perfect post-run secret weapon. Use it post-run to soothe muscles, which may, in turn, help to ease stiff joints. If stiffness persists (which is common) post-run, I always recommend booking a sports massage with a professional.”
Hunger (experienced by nearly 2 in 10 or 20% of runners)
Recommended product: Grenade Carb Killa Protein Bar White Chocolate Cookie 60g – £3.25
Fitness trainer Warren ‘Woz’ Whitely says: “Once you cross the finish line and pick yourself up off the floor, the first thing you’ll want to do is EAT. You’ll have burned hundreds of calories – your body will be screaming for replenishment. Grab yourself a carb-based snack and protein-packed bar to start refuelling. You may find your hunger returns later in the day, so why not celebrate by ordering food from your favourite Deliveroo restaurant — you’ve done so well!
Many long-distance runners experience physical effects after they train, but despite this, the research revealed nearly a quarter (21%) leave planning their post-run recovery as late as the day before the race, whilst one in five (18%) admit to planning their recovery whilst actually running their race, and 13% saying that they don’t plan at all.
Suzy McClintock; VP, grocery, hop and editions for Deliveroo, said: “As thousands of runners take on 26.2 miles of running through the iconic streets of the capital city this weekend, we are thrilled to join forces with our friends at Boots to launch the ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ hub.
In 2023, we saw a 38% spike in searches for protein, electrolytes, recovery salts and pain relief gels in the days following London’s biggest running race; so this year, Deliveroo is on hand to take the worry away and help runners recover from the comfort of their sofas once they’ve crossed the finish line.”
The ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ hub couldn’t have come at a better time, as Deliveroo research reveals over half of Brits (60%) spend an average of 3 months training to run a competitive race, with one in five (18%) admitting to spending 24 hours or less planning their post-run recovery, despite nearly nine in ten (87%) stating that they know it is essential as the training itself. Being too nervous about the race (29%), Lack of time (26%) and lack of research (20%) are the top reasons why Brits leave planning post-run recovery to the last minute.
To give runners a head start on their post-run recovery planning, Deliveroo is giving away 1,981 – a nod to the year London’s biggest running race started (1981) — £10 Deliveroo vouchers, exclusively redeemable on Boots using the code ROOCOVERY10. The vouchers are available from 15th April on a first-come, first-served basis for runners to redeem against their choice of the ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ products – when they spend £20 or more – from 125 participating Boots stores across the UK.
Customers can order ‘Marathon Roo-covery’ products from Boots stores today through the Deliveroo app, or online. Download the app here.
