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Africa Marathons Physio - Gemma Oates
Gemma Oates
Africa Marathons Physiotherapist
Born in the UK, Gemma has spent most of her life running. Her love for the sport began as a teenager and she hasn't stopped since. This passion led her to train as a Physiotherapist and she has worked in this profession in the UK for 15 years, both in the NHS and the private sector. Soon after starting her career as a Physiotherapist she specialised in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy and during this time she treated numerous runners. As a runner herself she full understands how frustrating injuries are and she loves to help runners not only recover from them but to help reduce the risk getting injuries in the first place too.
Last year Gemma moved to sunny South Africa and is so enjoying it. She has been fully involved with running there and joined a local running club in Durban. She has taken part in numerous running events out there, including two of our races, the Two Oceans Half Marathon, and the Cape Town Marathon 10km, both of which she loved. Since her move to South Africa she has set up her own running and physiotherapy website, The Runner Physio where she writes articles to help runners stay healthy and get the best out of their training.
As we host a number of trips to South Africa, we couldn’t think of a better person to have onboard the Africa Marathons team as our Physiotherapist. Gemma will be using her knowledge to write articles for us and she will be at our races to support runners. If you would like follow her running adventures in South Africa and get her tips on injury prevention, exercises and much more, you can follow her on her Instagram page @therunnerphysio or click through to her website, The Runner Physio.
Race Stories
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"It`s been a year since I ran the Comrades Marathon. I love racing, so I do seem to find myself on lots of start lines all over the world. However, Comrades still sits at the forefront of my mind as one of my fondest racing memories.
I like to think of myself as bold, independent and up for an adventure, but there is something so comforting about knowing someone else has planned every detail surrounding your race for you, and all you need to do is roll out of bed and run. Point-to-point races in a foreign country far from home could be a logistical nightmare, but there was nothing that wasn`t thought about and taken care of by Africa Marathons. If you`re keen to do one of the best races in the world, do get in contact with Rob and Clyde to make the experience even better. I`ll have signed up again before I`ve finished writing this!" - Jess Johnson
If that doesn`t sell it, we don`t know what will!
Safari, Spectacular Sunsets and Big Blue Skies.
Rhino Lodge is a favourite of ours here at Africa Marathons. Just 3 hours from Durban, nestled in the heart of Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park there`s no better place to unwind post Comrades Marathon.
They were the first luxury safari lodge to be established within this world-renowned Big 5 game reserve which is also home to thriving populations of African wild dogs, lion, elephant and multitudes of other species. Capturing the suspension between earth and sky, this glass-wrapped lodge rests on a ridge overlooking Africa’s oldest game reserve. Down below a waterhole, frequented by a diversity of wildlife, pulling your eye away from the extraordinary views, as you slow down and connect with the earth.
Sound like somewhere you`d like to find yourself once the running is complete?
The Queen of Ultras @carlamolinaro on Two Oceans Marathon & why YOU should join her on the start line...
"Two Oceans is one of my favourite races that I have ever done. It has a mix of a fast flat first half and tough hills with incredible views along for the second. Going up Chapmans Peak at sunrise is very special and I love the variety you get from this course. I am already excited about standing on that start line again and racing next year."
Mark your calendars! The 97th Comrades Marathon is set to kick off on June 9th, 2024.
Put on those running shoes, practice your uphill strut, and get ready for an epic adventure from Durban to Pietermaritzburg. The clock will start ticking at 05:30 in Durban, and you’ll have a solid 12 hours to conquer the course and earn those bragging rights.
See you at the starting line!
Get In Touch
Whether you are an experienced or novice runner, looking for a new challenge or simply thinking about visiting the continent for the first time, we would love to speak to you!
Our first aim is to get to know you, your running experience and aspirations, so we may best advise on which events would challenge you whilst giving you a high chance of success. So please get in touch. We look forward to speaking to you.
E: [email protected]
T: +44 7791 360170 (Rob)
T: +44 7809 726266 (Clyde)