This article was written in collaboration with Massage Heights, the official Massage Partner of the Servus Calgary Marathon.
Add a post-race Massage Heights massage to your race day experience on either Saturday May 24 or Sunday May 25 in the festival zone. Massage Heights will have a tent in the recovery area. Participants who pre-purchased a massage at registration will be prioritized. Purchase Here.
As the excitement builds for the kick off to the upcoming spring race season, runners are focusing on rigorous training schedules and strategic planning, but one essential component is often overlooked in optimizing performance and aiding recovery.
“Massage therapy offers benefits that extend beyond immediate relief. Just as training for a marathon requires consistency and dedication, regular massage sessions provide compounded benefits over time, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of injury,” said Will Carter, President, Massage Heights Canada.
Pre-run massage sessions focus on preparing the body for the demands of running. Therapists utilize a combination of techniques to release tension, improve circulation, and enhance flexibility, setting the stage for optimal performance. This proactive approach not only reduces the risk of injury, but also primes runners mentally, fostering a sense of focus and readiness for the race ahead.
Massage therapy affects muscle tissue by increasing blood flow to the muscles, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients while removing metabolic waste products. This process promotes muscle relaxation, reduces tension, and enhances flexibility, allowing runners to move more efficiently and with reduced risk of injury.
Following a race, massage supports runners in their recovery journey. Post-run massages are essential for accelerating the recovery process and alleviating muscle soreness. Through specialized techniques such as sports massage and dynamic cupping, therapists help runners restore mobility, reduce inflammation, and promote muscle repair, enabling them to bounce back faster and resume their training routine.
Massage therapy also has profound effects on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. This can enhance recovery by lowering levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can inhibit muscle repair and recovery processes. By inducing a state of relaxation, massage therapy also facilitates mental clarity and focus, essential for both training and race performance.
“At Massage Heights, we offer our expertise and unwavering support to every runner to help them reach their goals. From start to finish, we’re committed to being there every step of the way,” said Carter. “If you are a runner looking to elevate your training, visit us today!”
Massage Heights Canada is a locally owned and operated business in Calgary with seven massage therapy clinics in Calgary and three in Edmonton. Massage Heights offers convenient, affordable access to expert massage therapy.
And to support your race-day preparation and recovery, Massage Heights has something special just for 2025 Servus Calgary Marathon participants: a 3-pack of 60-minute massages for only $299.97. It’s the perfect way to stay strong, recover faster, and feel your best—before and after the big day.
These sessions are more than just a treat—they’re a key part of your training recovery, helping to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, and reduce stress.
To redeem this offer, simply present your 2025 Servus Calgary Marathon registration at check-in. Available at all Calgary Massage Heights retreats.
