By XACT Nutrition – Official On-Course Fueling Partner
You’ve trained hard — early mornings, long runs, and countless miles. Now it’s race day. Your fueling strategy can make or break your performance. As the official fueling partner of the Servus Calgary Marathon, XACT Nutrition is here to help you finish strong with a clear, simple plan.
Why Fueling Matters
Your body stores enough glycogen for about 60–90 minutes of running. Without refueling, you risk hitting the wall. The key is to start fueling early, stay consistent, and avoid energy crashes.
Three Days Before the Race
- Focus on carbohydrate-rich meals: rice, pasta, potatoes, bread.
- With your taper in effect, this helps top up energy stores for race day.
The Night Before
- Eat a carb-forward, familiar meal.
- Keep it light on fat, fiber, and spice.
- Examples: pasta with tomato sauce, rice with veggies, toast with banana.
- Hydrate well and avoid alcohol.
- Eat early to sleep easier.
Race Morning
- Eat a simple, familiar, carb-based breakfast 2–3 hours before your race.
- Try a bagel with jam, toast with banana, or oatmeal with maple syrup.
- Drink water and have coffee if you normally do.
15–30 Minutes Before the Start
- Eat one XACT ENERGY fruit bar to top off your energy and be ready to run.
During the Race: Stay on Schedule
Goal: 100 calories every 30–45 minutes.
XACT ENERGY bars provide 100 calories of real fruit-based carbs. Set a watch reminder and fuel before you feel fatigued.
On-Course Fueling Stations
- Aid stations approximately every 3–5 km.
- Select stations on the 10K, Half-Marathon, and Marathon routes will supply XACT ENERGY fruit bars.
- All stations will have water available.
Hydration
Hydration stations are placed every 3–5 km with water. Sip regularly, especially if it’s warm.
After the Race: Refuel & Recover
- Eat a mix of protein and carbs ASAP (try an XACT PROTEIN bar + banana).
- Drink 500–1000 ml of water or sports drink.
- Then — celebrate!
Quick Reference: Fueling at a Glance
| Timing | What to Eat |
|---|---|
| 3 days before | Carb-based meals: rice, pasta, bread |
| Night before | Simple carbs, low fiber, hydrate |
| 2–3 hours pre-race | Bagel, oatmeal, banana |
| 15–30 minutes pre-race | 1 XACT ENERGY bar |
| Every 30–45 minutes | 1 XACT ENERGY bar or equivalent |
| After finish | 1 XACT PROTEIN bar + fluids |
Visit Us at the Expo
Visit our booth at the Health, Sports & Lifestyle Expo for fueling tips, free samples, and race day advice.
You’ve Got This
Fuel early, fuel often, and keep it simple. We’ll see you at the start line — and every XACT fueling station on course. Tag us at @xactnutrition and use #SnackThieves to share your experience.
XACT Nutrition – Official Fueling Partner of the 2025 Servus Calgary Marathon