How to Fuel for the Windermere Marathon

The Windermere Marathon is not your typical road marathon. With rolling hills, sustained climbs, and some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer, this is a race built around experience rather than chasing a personal best. An elevation gain of around 600 metres across 26.2 miles means your fuelling needs to support long periods of effort, changes in intensity, and a potentially longer time on your feet than flatter city marathons. For 2026, XMiles are the Sports Nutrition Retail Partner.

Whether you are stepping up to your first marathon or taking on Windermere as a fresh challenge, getting your nutrition right will help you enjoy the course, manage the hills, and reach the finish line feeling strong.

Understanding the demands of the Windermere Marathon

The course loops around Lake Windermere, starting at Waterhead and finishing at Brockhole, with undulating terrain almost throughout. You will encounter steady climbs, fast descents, and long stretches where effort creeps up without you realising. This makes consistent fuelling and hydration especially important.

Expect energy demands to fluctuate. You may burn through carbohydrates more quickly on climbs and need to stay on top of hydration if conditions are warm or windy. Planning ahead allows you to respond to the course rather than react when fatigue sets in.

Pre-marathon nutrition: Laying the foundations

Successful marathon fuelling begins well before race morning. Your goal in the days leading up to Windermere is to start the race with full energy stores, well hydrated, and confident in your plan.

Your regular meals should prioritise carbohydrate rich foods to support glycogen stores, while still keeping things familiar and easy to digest. This is not the time to experiment or dramatically change your diet. Hydration should be consistent throughout the week, rather than crammed into the final 24 hours, and including electrolytes can help support fluid balance, especially if you tend to sweat heavily.

Race morning should feel routine. Eat a meal you know works for you, allowing enough time for digestion before the start. Many runners also take on an energy drink between breakfast and the race start or include a small top up closer to the gun, but only if it has been tested during training. The key is to begin the race feeling energised and comfortable, not full or rushed.

Fuelling during the marathon

Once the race is underway, the focus shifts to maintaining energy and hydration so that effort stays controlled, even as the terrain becomes more demanding. Taking on fuel little and often is usually more effective than relying on large, infrequent intakes. This approach helps keep energy levels stable and reduces the risk of stomach issues later on. Energy gels and chews are popular options due to the fast-acting carbs and convenience.

When hydrating, take small sips regularly instead of large gulps. Conditions around Windermere can vary, and wind or sunshine can increase fluid losses without you noticing straight away. Staying ahead of dehydration often makes the final miles far more manageable. 

After the finish line

Crossing the finish line at Brockhole is a big moment, but recovery starts immediately. Replacing fluids should be your first priority, followed by a meal or snack that includes both carbohydrates and protein within the first hour. This supports muscle repair and helps replenish energy stores, setting you up for a smoother recovery in the days that follow. A recovery bar and/or a recovery drink will set you on the right path.

Listen to your body in the hours after the race. Appetite and thirst can fluctuate, and that is normal after such a demanding effort. Gentle movement, regular eating, and steady hydration by using electrolyte drinks will all help you bounce back.

Final thoughts

The Windermere Marathon rewards preparation and patience. A well planned nutrition strategy allows you to focus on the scenery, manage the hills, and enjoy the unique challenge this race offers. By practising your approach in training and tailoring it to your own needs, you give yourself the best chance of a positive race day experience.

If you want help personalising your marathon fuelling based on your pace, body weight, and expected finish time, our Nutrition Calculator is a great place to start.