Marathon | PHYSIOTHERAPY & EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY
QSMC provides physiotherapy and exercise physiology services for half marathon, marathon, ultra marathon, and trail runners from two Brisbane clinics – Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba. Our physiotherapists and exercise physiologists have professional experience supporting athletes at the highest levels of national and international competition, and work with distance runners of all abilities, from those completing their first half marathon through to seasoned ultra marathon competitors.
Trusted Support for Marathon Runners at Every Level
Whether you’re managing a running injury, preparing for your first half marathon, targeting a marathon PB, or taking on the demands of ultra-distance events, our team provides individualised, evidence-based care tailored to the unique physiological demands of distance running.
We work with runners across all levels, from recreational participants through to seasoned competitors tackling 100km+ events.
How We Support Marathon Runners
Injury Assessment and Rehabilitation
We assess and manage a wide range of running-related injuries, including:
- Knee injuries (e.g. patellofemoral pain, IT band syndrome)
- Tendinopathies (e.g. Achilles, patellar, proximal hamstring)
- Bone stress injuries and stress fractures
- Calf, hamstring, and hip flexor strains
- Plantar fasciitis and foot injuries
- Hip and groin pain
- Low back pain related to running load
Return to Running Planning
Returning to marathon running requires more than simply being pain free. Whether you’re recovering from injury or surgery, we guide you through a structured process that may include:
- Progressive run-walk reintroduction protocols
- Strength and capacity benchmarks before returning to load
- Functional and sport-specific testing
- Load management and training volume progression
- Goal race planning (half marathon, marathon, or ultra)
Our aim is to support a safe, well-timed return to training and competition – with your race calendar in mind.
Performance and Injury Prevention
If you’re not injured but want to optimise your performance or reduce your injury risk ahead of an event, we can help with:
- Running gait analysis and biomechanics assessment
- Strength and conditioning programs specific to distance running
- Load management strategies for marathon and ultra training blocks
- Pre-event screening and race-readiness assessments
- Nutrition and fuelling guidance for long-distance events
Common Marathon Running Injuries We Manage
- Achilles tendinopathy and calf complex injuries
- IT band syndrome and lateral knee pain
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee)
- Bone stress injuries and tibial stress fractures
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy
- Hip flexor and glute injuries
- Low back pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Why Choose QSMC?
Our approach focuses on delivering structured, evidence-based care tailored to the specific demands of half marathon, marathon, and ultra marathon running.
- Experience working with distance runners across a wide range of event types and competition levels
- Collaborative multidisciplinary care across physiotherapy, exercise physiology, podiatry, sports nutrition, and sports medicine
- Individualised management plans grounded in current clinical evidence
- Access to running assessment services, gym-based rehabilitation, and performance facilities
- Clinicians with a genuine passion for running who understand the commitment behind training for long-distance events
Book with our Brisbane-based Marathon clinicians
Take the next step in your marathon running journey with the support of clinicians experienced in distance running injuries, performance, and race preparation.
Physiotherapists
Senior Physiotherapist
Dolph Francis is a Senior Physiotherapist at QSMC who brings a high-level athlete’s perspective to endurance sports. A former AIS scholarship holder in Track and Field and three-time Australian representative, Dolph specialises in comprehensive running assessments for athletes ranging from recreational marathoners to Olympic competitors. His extensive experience with Triathlon Australia and the Ekiden Relays provides him with deep insights into the mechanical efficiency and load management required for long-distance road running. Clinically, Dolph focuses on optimising running economy and aims to support marathoners in their pursuit of performance goals by applying elite-level diagnostic standards to injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Senior Physiotherapist
Jess Morey is a highly skilled Physiotherapist at QSMC who combines a deep academic background in Exercise Science with her own experience as a competitive national-level runner. Specializing in the management of endurance athletes, Jess focuses on Running Assessments and the treatment of lower limb tendinopathies, specifically those affecting the hip, knee, and ankle. She utilizes advanced clinical tools like Real-time Ultrasound and Clinical Pilates to identify biomechanical inefficiencies that can lead to training disruptions. Having navigated the physical and mental demands of chasing a PB herself, Jess aims to empower marathoners and road runners with evidence-based rehabilitation and movement-based strategies designed to support long-term performance and injury resilience on the road.
Physiotherapist
Kharis Jayawardhana is a dedicated Physiotherapist at QSMC with extensive experience supporting endurance athletes, ranging from recreational marathoners to those competing in ultra-marathon events. Her clinical approach to distance running is informed by a deep foundational knowledge of biomechanics, stemming from her history as a former athletics coach and track athlete. Kharis has a primary clinical focus on the management of stress fractures and lower limb tendinopathies, injuries frequently encountered during high-volume endurance training cycles. By integrating advanced clinical services such as Dry Needling and Clinical Pilates, Kharis aims to support runners in navigating the physical demands of long-distance loading, focusing on building the mechanical resilience necessary for successful performance over marathon and ultra-endurance distances.
Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist
Chris Brady is a Specialist Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist (awarded by the Australian College of Physiotherapists in 2009) and a Director at QSMC. An avid runner himself, Chris brings over two decades of elite high-performance experience to the management of distance athletes. He possesses a primary clinical focus on lumbar spine stress fractures and complex lower limb presentations that require an advanced level of diagnostic precision. As the Chief Examiner for Sports and Exercise at the Australian College of Physiotherapists, Chris applies a “master clinician” approach to help marathoners identify the root cause of persistent injuries. He aims to support endurance athletes in navigating high-volume training cycles by providing evidence-based rehabilitation strategies for the spine and lower limb, ensuring a resilient path to the finish line.
Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist
Shane Lemcke is an APA Titled Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist and Director at QSMC, bringing over 20 years of elite high-performance experience to the marathon and endurance community. His background is highlighted by his work with the Australian Track and Field team at the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, providing him with a deep understanding of the physiological demands and injury profiles associated with high-volume running. Shane possesses extensive experience in the management of complex lower limb injuries, with a primary clinical focus on tendon health—specifically the Achilles and patellar tendons—and muscle injuries of the hamstrings and calves. An active runner himself, Shane applies the rigorous diagnostic and rehabilitation standards of professional sport to support marathoners of all levels, aiming to optimize their physical function and ensure a resilient return to the road.
Exercise Physiologists
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Matt Crear is a Senior Accredited Exercise Physiologist at QSMC who integrates high-performance strength and conditioning principles with clinical endurance rehabilitation. With a professional background supporting world-class sprinters and elite athletes, Matt applies an advanced understanding of biomechanics to help marathoners bridge the gap between injury recovery and peak performance. His clinical practice has a strong focus on the spine, hips, and lower limbs, specifically targeting the mechanical stability required for long-distance loading. By utilizing evidence-based rehabilitation and personalized strength programming, Matt aims to support runners in developing the physical durability needed to manage high-volume training cycles and achieve their marathon goals.
Senior Exercise Physiologist
Adam Garred is an experienced Exercise Physiologist and Director at QSMC who brings a runner’s perspective to endurance rehabilitation and performance. An avid long-distance runner with several marathons completed, Adam is highly regarded for his extensive experience in managing bone stress injuries and guiding runners through comprehensive strength and conditioning programs. His clinical focus involves integrating advanced musculoskeletal knowledge with practical performance principles to support athletes in navigating the high-volume demands of marathon training. By focusing on lower limb resilience and personalized loading strategies, Adam works to support recreational and elite runners in overcoming training disruptions and achieving their performance goals on the road.
If you are unsure which clinician is best suited to your needs, our reception team can assist in directing you to the most appropriate practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent injuries during marathon training?
The most effective strategies for preventing marathon injuries include following a progressive training plan, incorporating strength training for the glutes, calves, and hip stabilisers, and allowing adequate recovery between sessions. An Exercise Physiologist can design a strength and conditioning program tailored specifically to your training load and race goals. Book in with one of our Exercise Physiologists to get started.
What is a running assessment and do marathon runners need one?
A running assessment involves video gait analysis and biomechanical evaluation to identify movement patterns that may increase injury risk or limit your running efficiency. For marathon runners, a running assessment can be particularly valuable when preparing for a first marathon, returning from injury, or if you have a recurring issue that hasn’t resolved. QSMC offers running assessments from clinicians with specialist experience in distance running.
What is the difference between physiotherapy and exercise physiology for marathon runners?
Physiotherapists primarily assess and treat musculoskeletal injuries, manage pain, and guide return-to-running rehabilitation. Exercise physiologists focus on structured exercise prescription, strength and conditioning, and supporting long-term physical capacity and performance. For marathon runners, both disciplines are often complementary, particularly for those recovering from injury who also need to build strength and training resilience alongside their rehabilitation.
Do I need a referral to see a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist at QSMC?
No referral is required to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist at our Brisbane clinics. You can book directly online or contact our reception team on 07 3891 2000.
Visit QSMC in Brisbane
QSMC has two Brisbane clinics offering marathon physiotherapy and exercise physiology services – Bowen Hills and Woolloongabba.
Bowen Hills Clinic
Bowen Hills Medical Specialist Centre
Suite 2/16 Thompson St, Bowen Hills QLD 4006
Woolloongabba Clinic
The Gabba, Hyundai Centre
Gate 2, 812 Stanley St, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102.
Running Assessment at QSMC
Our running assessment service uses video gait analysis and biomechanical evaluation to identify movement patterns that may be contributing to injury or limiting your performance. Whether you’re preparing for a first half marathon or chasing an ultra marathon finish line, a running assessment can provide valuable insights into your training and race readiness.