XACT Nutrition Race Fueling Guide | 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Marathon & Half-Marathon

XACT Nutrition Race Fueling Guide | 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Marathon & Half-Marathon

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    By XACT Nutrition – Official On-Course Fueling Partner

    You’ve done the training — early mornings, long runs, cold miles. Now it’s race time. As the official fueling partner of the Tamarack Ottawa 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 fueling early, stay consistent, and avoid energy crashes.

    Three Days Before the Race

    • Focus on carbs at every meal: rice, pasta, potatoes, bread
    • With your taper in effect, this tops up energy stores

    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, carb-based breakfast 2–3 hours before your race: bagel with jam, toast with banana, 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:

    • 10.5 km – Tunney’s Pasture
    • 27 km – Sussex Drive
    • 38 km – Near finish

    Half Marathon:

    • Approximately 10.5 km – Tunney’s Pasture

    All stations will offer XACT ENERGY bars. We recommend carrying an extra bar or gel — it can make the difference in getting you to the finish line feeling positive and strong.

    Hydration

    Hydration stations are placed every 3–5 km with water and 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
    • 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 Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend Expo for fueling tips, free samples, and race day advice. You can also find XACT at specialty run stores and outdoor retailers in Ottawa. 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 2025 Tamarack Ottawa Marathon