By XACT Nutrition – Official On-Course Fuelling Partner
You’ve done the training — early mornings, long runs, rainy miles. Now it’s race time. But your fuelling strategy can make or break your day. As the official fuelling partner of the BMO Vancouver Marathon, XACT Nutrition is here to help you finish strong with a clear, simple plan.
Why Fueling Matters
Your body only stores enough glycogen for about 60–90 minutes of running. If you don’t refuel, you risk hitting the wall. The key is to start fuelling early, stay consistent, and avoid energy crashes.
Three Days Before the Race
Build up glycogen stores by focusing on carbs at each meal: rice, pasta, potatoes, bread. With your taper in effect, this helps top up your energy stores for race day.
The Night Before
- Eat a carb-forward, familiar meal
- Keep it light on fat, fibre, and spice
- Good options: 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
Marathon:
- After 12 km – W 16th Avenue
- 21 km – NW Marine Drive near Spanish Banks
- 30 km – Near Stanley Park Seawall
Half Marathon:
- 10.5 km – Beach Avenue near Sunset Beach
All fueling stations carry a variety of XACT ENERGY bars. We recommend carrying at least one extra bar or gel - it can make the diffrence in getting you over the finish line feeling positive and strong.
Hydration
Hydration stations are placed every 3–5 km with water and Nuun electrolytes. 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 fibre, 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 can also find XACT at Forerunners, FitFirst and other specity run stores as well as general outdoors stores in Vancouver. For a full listing check our store locator
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 BMO Vancouver Marathon