{"id":20764,"date":"2026-04-17T13:49:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T13:49:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/sports-nutrition\/?p=20764"},"modified":"2026-04-24T08:44:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T08:44:10","slug":"carb-loading-by-race-distance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scienceinsport.com\/sports-nutrition\/carb-loading-by-race-distance\/","title":{"rendered":"Carb Loading by Race Distance: Half-Marathon and Marathon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Written By<\/span>\n

Jonah Rosner<\/h3>\n

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6 Min<\/div>
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Carb Loading by Race Distance: Half-Marathon and Marathon<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Most runners carb load before every race. Science says most of them do not need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not every race requires extra fuel. But when it does, the difference is real.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your body stores enough fuel for roughly 75 to 90 minutes of hard running. Below that threshold, your normal diet handles it. Above it, you need a plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is what this guide covers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n