Massage before and after a marathon: when is the right time?

Running a marathon means planning your training, food and travel carefully. Massage deserves a fixed place in that plan too, because good timing makes it feel even better. Below you will find when runners usually book a massage before and after the race, and what a simple plan for marathon weekend in Berlin can look like.

This is a general overview from my experience as a wellness massage practitioner and does not replace advice from your doctor. If you have any health questions, talk to them first.

During your training weeks

During the long build-up, many runners enjoy a regular massage, roughly every two to four weeks. That way you learn how pressure and technique feel for you, and in race week you know exactly what feels good. A firm deep tissue massage fits best into this phase, ideally not too close to your long runs.

Race week: gentle and familiar

A calm massage two to five days before the race is common, with gentle to medium pressure. This is not the time for experiments: choose a massage you already know.

The day before the start

On the day before the race, it is best not to try anything new. If you would still like a massage, keep it short and very gentle. Often, rest is simply the nicest thing that day.

After the race

On the evening of the race or the day after, a calm, gentle session is ideal if you like – with no trip across town. Firmer work is usually best saved for three to five days later. I always plan at least 24 to 48 hours between two massages.

A simple plan for Berlin Marathon weekend

The Berlin Marathon takes place on a Sunday, in 2027 on 26 September. Many runners arrive on Thursday or Friday and fly home on Monday or Tuesday. With two appointments, it looks like this:

• Friday: a calm massage to settle in, two days before the start.
• Saturday: rest, pick up your race bib, early night.
• Sunday: your race.
• Monday or Tuesday: an unhurried, gentle session before you travel home.

If you fly out on Monday morning, the second session can also take place on Sunday evening, kept especially gentle. The plan works the same way for the Berlin Half Marathon (Sunday, 4 April 2027).

Which massage is right for you?

• Before the race: a calm full-body massage with gentle pressure.
• After the race: gentle at first, and a few days later a deep tissue massage if you like.

In every session, we agree on pressure and pace together.

Travelling to Berlin for the marathon?

I will come to your hotel with a massage table, organic oils and my soundscape. Around race weekend I only offer a few appointments, because I give every session myself. All details, prices and the request form are on the Berlin Marathon massage page.