Associations between Nutrition Intake and Running Performance of Half and Full Marathon Runners

An abstract of a study by Mahoney et al identifying characteristics and exploring nutritional correlations relating to performance in non-elite athletes running a half or full marathon and utilizing results to better advise endurance athletes is presented. Results show that nutrition supplements were consumed to boost general health by 25% and 30% of full and half marathoners, respectively. During race, half marathoners were less likely to eat. Significantly younger full marathoners consumed carbohydrate beans. Half marathoners not consuming bread or fruit ran faster. Full marathoners not consuming bread or a sports bar ran faster. Marathon performance may be nutrition dependent. Further study is needed to optimize intake strategies.