Spencer Matthews tackles UK knee crisis as half of fit Brits rely on painkillers

Spencer Matthews tackles UK knee crisis as half of fit Brits rely on painkillersEven Brits who are battling to get fit cite aches and pains as an unenviable part of the process - but ultra-runner Spencer Matthews has some advice ahead of this year's London MarathonNewsSarah Ingram10:57, 15 Apr 2026Updated 11:01, 15 Apr 2026Spencer Matthews shares recovery advice as he preps for the London MarathonUltra-runner Spencer Matthews is no stranger to pain, but he says runners shouldn’t have to put up with aching knees.‌The 37-year-old star, who set a world record by running 30 marathons in 30 days, is calling on the nation to get their knees “sponsored” ahead of this month’s London Marathon.‌Four in ten Brits are battling some form of injury, with knee pain joint-top of the list alongside lower back issues, according to new data from The Turmeric Co. The research found that almost half of those who exercise (47%) rely on painkillers just to keep moving.‌View ImageSpencer is calling on the nation to get their knees sponsored ahead of this month s London Marathon(Image: The Turmeric Co./Cover Images)READ MORE: Gemma Arterton gives birth to second child after keeping pregnancy a secretREAD MORE: AA Driving School and BSM Driving School ordered to refund 80,000 customersIn response, the company has launched a new national campaign to support runners’ recovery and resilience, stepping in as the unofficial “knee sponsor” of the nation ahead of marathon day.Anyone who signs up can receive up to three months’ worth of shots, each containing 35g of raw turmeric root, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Injury is not just an occasional twinge, but something holding people back in their everyday lives.‌More than a quarter (28%) say pain or injury affects their day-to-day activities, while 21% admit they are training less often or at a lower intensity because of it, the research found.A further fifth have had to stop exercising altogether for a period, and on average runn...