24/05/2026
Recently I've had a few people come into clinics and talk about taking Ibuprufen before races to help with pain or injury. My simple statement on this is "DON'T!"
The The Endurance Physio published this about a year ago talking the affects. Mike who is the endurance physio is a very experienced therapist and educates other therapists about working with endurance athletes. Although, this refers to specifically Ultra runners, it is just as pertinent for marathons, half marathons and 10ks - although the risk gets lower.
I can only recount from my own personal experience. I completed the Great South Run back in 2019 and I was having hip pain and problems, what I didn't realise it was the start of symptomatic hip degeneration resulting in hip replacement in 2021. I did know better, but I took ibuprufen before the start of the race and because of the hip/itb pain I had to walk/run the event anyway. But after I'd finished, and I'd been feeling very uncomfortable for about 2 miles, my stomach rebelled. I won't go into detail but I it was not good and my stomach didn't recover for 3 days.
Even for tomorrows Newbury 10k - please don't take NSAID. Get proper help and advice and don't resort to pill popping.
The NSAID (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac etc) debate seems to have reared its head again recently in many ultra running online groups and forums.
Here’s an old post sharing the position stand of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Widespread use as well as prophylactic use of NSAIDS should ALWAYS be discouraged, whilst active EDUCATION on the risks and contraindications should be encouraged.
Many race organisers including the UTMB are now taking this stance.
Although this position stand referenced single stage ultra marathons, I’ve certainly had experience of this creeping into the majority of endurance events at all levels of ability and performance.