With just one week to go until the 2026 Voltaren City2Surf, we know the temptation to squeeze in one last long run or push yourself a little harder ahead of race day, all too well.
But the reality is that the biggest gains have already been made.

The final week is about giving your body the chance to rest, recover and recharge, so you can arrive at the start line feeling strong, a concept many runners swear by.

However, that doesn't mean spending the week on the couch. The week before race day should be all about going back to basics and enjoying moving your body.

Light movement is now the key to your race day success. A short walk, an easy jog or some gentle stretching are all great ways to keep your body moving without pushing into fatigue.

Focusing on getting your full eight hours of sleep, staying hydrated, fuelling your body and resisting the temptation to make any last-minute changes to your routine, will make all the difference.

However, most importantly, you need to listen to your body!

If you've picked up a few aches and pains during training or your muscles are feeling sore after weeks of building your kilometres, don't ignore it. Recovery is about recognising what your body needs so you can keep moving comfortably, both on race day and beyond.

Everyone's recovery routine looks different.

For some people it's stretching or foam rolling. Others include mobility sessions, massage or gentle walks on recovery days.

For muscle pain following training sessions, Voltaren Pain Relief Gel relieves pain directly at the source while reducing inflammation, making it a practical addition to your recovery routine.

If your muscles are feeling tight or stiff during the final week, VoltaHeat Pain Relief Patch offers long-lasting, targeted heat for up to eight hours, while VoltaHeat Pain Relief Cream provides fast-heating and targeted relief that can help relieve muscle aches and mild joint pain.

After training sessions, some people may also prefer the cooling sensation of VoltaCool Pain Relief Cream, which provides fast cooling and soothing relief for mild joint inflammation.

No matter how you choose to recover, the important thing is that you make it part of your training, rather that something you think about once you've crossed the finish line.

Looking after your body now will help you arrive at the start line feeling your best and help keep your body moving after the 2026 Voltaren City2Surf.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.