Massage Envy attempts to set a world record

Massage EnvyOct 21 2009

Massage Envy(R) To Sponsor Event to Earn the World Record for the Most Massages Given at the Same Time

On Sunday, October 25, Massage Envy will sponsor an event to earn the Guinness World Record for the most people being massaged simultaneously in one location. The goal is to have 200 people simultaneously massaged, just as they finish participating in the 34th annual Marine Corps Marathon. There will be a sea of tables set up on Wilson Boulevard between Fort Myer Drive and Nash Street to accommodate the record-setting massages. If it is raining, the massage tables will be set up under the overpass on Fort Myer Drive.

The current record for the most people being massaged at the same time is 154, set in London, England in 2007. Runners and walkers, as well as wheelchair and hand cycle participants can line up for the record-setting massages after they cross the finish line. The massages will begin at 11:45 a.m. and continue for 15 minutes. Organizers will certify the setting of the record on site, and an announcement will be made at an awards ceremony at the finish line at 12:30 p.m.

Massage Envy has teamed up with the Marine Corps Marathon for the last 2 years, providing massages for runners as they complete the race. "We wanted to take it a step further this year by making it a record-setting event," says Charles Fisher, a Virginia Massage Envy owner. "We know that massage has great health benefits like lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system. We want to share that boost with marathon participants who will really need it after a 26.2 mile run," added Fisher.

Massage Envy is a national chain of membership-based massage clinics across the country. With 590 clinics, they are the largest provider of therapeutic massage in the country, employing about 14,000 therapists. In the DC / Baltimore Metro area, there are 18 Massage Envy clinics, with 21,000 members.

"We're thrilled that our participants this year will not only get a relaxing massage, but the opportunity to participate in a world record as well," said Rick Nealis, Director of the Marine Corp Marathon.

All massage therapists participating in the event are licensed and have been instructed to follow a basic protocol for each 15-minute therapeutic massage.

Nicknamed "The People's Marathon", The Marine Corps Marathon is the world's largest marathon not to offer prize money. Thirty-five thousand participants are expected this year including runners, walkers, and many handicapped participants including some wounded U.S. soldiers. The marathon is presented by USAA, Brooks Sports, Inc., and Arlington County. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement is implied.