Palamarchuk said that he sees more beginning and average runners because they take nearly twice as long to finish the race, which means they’re putting more stress on their feet and ankles.
He added that average runners tend to weigh more than experienced distance runners, which also can put a strain on their lower extremities.
“Most of the people we treat are average or beginning runners who train just one or two miles a day, and all of a sudden, they’re running 10 miles at this race,” he said. “Many of the runners are just trying to survive the distance.”
While it is not required of podiatry students, most are eager to help out at the finish line. They greet, diagnose and treat runners under the direct supervision of Palamarchuk and other Temple doctors.
“Our participation at this run is sort of a kick-off for the second-year podiatry students,” said Chad Moorman, president of the Sports Medicine Club and third-year podiatry student. “We start working in the clinic at the beginning of our third year, so this prepares us for some of the things we’ll be seeing.”
In addition to the Broad Street Run, Palamarchuk and his students provide foot support for the Marine Corps Run, the Boston Marathon, and charity events such as the MS Challenge Walk and the Philadelphia Breast Cancer Three-Day Walk.
“Coming to these races is a great training experience for our students,” Palamarchuk said. “They get to see runners in their element, rather than in a clinical setting.
It’s interesting for them to see how different factors, from weather to type of shoe, affect the runners.” |
