Preparing for a marathon involves more than just training; nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing your performance. Whether you’re participating in your first marathon or aiming to beat your personal best, proper nutrition can make a significant difference on race day.
To assist you, we’ve collaborated with James Collins, a renowned performance nutritionist, to create four tailored meal plans for the week leading up to your marathon. These plans outline effective nutrition strategies for each day, offering meal and snack ideas along with recipe links to ensure you stay nourished throughout the week.
We have also included training suggestions from the London Marathon beginner’s training plan. This guidance will help you understand the balance of running and rest needed in the week before your marathon.
Explore the London Marathon’s training and meal plans. Interested in participating in the 2026 TCS London Marathon? Visit the TCS London Marathon website for all the details related to the ballot.
Marathon Meal Plan
Unsure about what to eat and how to divide your running schedule in the week prior to your marathon? James Collins, who has guided Team GB in Olympic nutrition, shares his insights and recipes to help you in the crucial seven days leading up to race day.
Vegetarian Marathon Meal Plan
What constitutes an ideal vegetarian diet prior to a marathon? Discover the recommendations from sports nutritionist James Collins for the week before your race.
Explore our week-long vegetarian marathon meal plan
Vegan Marathon Meal Plan
If you follow a vegan diet and are preparing for a marathon, we have a comprehensive week-long meal plan that excludes animal products to help you achieve your best performance.
Check out our week-long vegan marathon meal plan
Gluten-Free Marathon Meal Plan
Are you preparing for a marathon while following a gluten-free diet? Discover our specialized running meal plan and insightful training tips for the week leading up to the race.
View our week-long gluten-free marathon meal plan
Now Try…
More marathon training & nutrition guides
What should I eat while training for a marathon?
Understanding carb-loading
James Collins, a top-tier Performance Nutritionist, has contributed to optimizing nutrition for Olympic and professional sports over the last decade. He has collaborated with high-profile teams such as Arsenal FC, the England and France national football squads, and Team GB. Additionally, he operates a private practice in Harley Street, providing guidance to individuals from various backgrounds, including business executives and performing artists. James is also the author of The Energy Plan, which expounds on key principles for fitness fueling.
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