ACHING legs, sore feet and dodgy backs will plague hundreds of marathon runners this weekend as they take part in the Flora London Marathon.

ACHING legs, sore feet and dodgy backs will plague hundreds of marathon runners this weekend as they take part in the Flora London Marathon.

And to help with the niggling injuries picked up along the way - a team of health specialists in Ipswich are offering their services for free.

Osteopaths and physiotherapists at Gilmour Piper on Fonnereau Road, are opening their doors on Monday and Tuesday next week to offer advice and treatment free of charge.

Partner Mark Piper, said the offer was aimed at giving something back to local people.

“We see a lot of sportsmen and women and not being in the right physical condition ourselves to run the marathon we felt this was one way we wanted to put something back into the community,” he said.

“Typically long distance runners will face lower limb problems, hamstring or groin strains, but if people just want to come in for a decent foot massage they can. We can also give nutritional advice on how to recover as quickly as possible.”

And jaded marathon runners will be given the option to do that little bit more for charity and offer a donation on the day in aid of East Anglia Children's Hospice.

If you are gearing up to tackle the 26-mile course tomorrow and want to book an appointment call on 01473 217592 and bring your Flora London Marathon medal along to qualify for the offer.