is nutrition really necessary during the marathon?

More than Gatorade is not necessary. Gels instead of Gatorade can work but they require so much water to digest and getting the ratio and timing right is too risky IMO. Gatorade is already mixed to the right osmolarity.

No. Runners used to run marathons without any nutrition or water.

You can't go wrong with whatever Bekele is consuming.

The deporable Blah Blah. wrote:

No. Runners used to run marathons without any nutrition or water.

Yes, but with nutrition and water they now run faster.

That being said, I ran three marathons under 2:48 (female) without ever consuming anything other than water and occasionally Gatorade during a race. If I try to consume anything solid or even gel-like during a race I simply get nauseous. But gels, etc. work great for some people, and you should experiment to find what works best for you.

my question 12 3 wrote:

I typically only take gatorade and water during marathons and have done ok.. I don't usually bonk, though I have in the past. Is it really beneficial to take in a gu or 2 during the marathon or is liquid gatorade sufficient?

No, liquid gatorade is NOT sufficient. You NEED a few gu's and some water. Clearly much superior.

Clearly consistent views on this issue.

Is it necessary? No it is not however you should consume some food which will aid your performance.

Now if you are a recreational runner (judging by your question you are) finishing the race is your goal the difference between taking and not will be marginal.

Gels are excellent and easy to consume while running. Gatorade is fine if you like he taste and will entice you to consume more liquids.

I ran a marathon a couple years ago and was drinking water and a little Gatorade and my stomach started feeling bad about halfway. I didn't drink anything the rest of the race and my stomach felt good from about 17 miles to the finish.

I ran a marathon last year and decided not to drink or eat anything during the race. I was never hungry or thirsty the whole race but afterwards my stomach was upset and I eventually threw up some of the food I had eaten for breakfast. That tells me that my stomachs digestion system shut down at some point and even if I had taken anything during the race, it would not have helped. Maybe if my stomach could have digested a little more of that cookie, I could have run a couple minutes faster.

Steve Jones ran 2:07 on Diet Coke and Mars bars.

What you eat and drink does not matter.

I think that times play a role with affecting people's opinions. What was your time when you ran on Gatorade only?

Also, to the "you NEED gu" commenter, what was your time?

It's more important what you eat the days before.

Depends how long it takes you to run a marathon. Under 3:30, no. Over 4:30, maybe. Hydration is necessary if it's warm.

I would recommend some form of nutrition during a marathon outside of Gatorade but there are a lot of options on how to get that fuel outside of Gu. If you can (a) tolerate gels and (b) specifically the gels offered on course that is probably the best option. I normally take Hammer gel every 45 minutes but everyone's GI tract reacts differently.

I ran 3:30 on water but bonked badly at mile 22 on sub3 pace a few marathons later and had to sit for an hour. 4 weeks later with 2 gels in me I went 2:57 and never had a problem in many races since. So I believe a little bit is indeed necessary for max performance. The downside is I always have to puke at the finish. But it is worth it.

The deporable Blah Blah. wrote:

No. Runners used to run marathons without any nutrition or water.

Slowly.

I ran a 3:35 with only cream cheese stuffed, bacon wrapped jalapeños and diet coke as sustenance.

Better question, do you need electrolytes?

my question 12 3 wrote:

I typically only take gatorade and water during marathons and have done ok.. I don't usually bonk, though I have in the past. Is it really beneficial to take in a gu or 2 during the marathon or is liquid gatorade sufficient?

I would classify Gatorade as nutrition. You are ingesting carbohydrate.

My answer is "It depends". Every athlete is different. While in general I would say taking in carbs is beneficial one then needs to figure out the optimal amount along with the form (liquid like Gatorade or semi liquid like Gel).

You only have enough stored glycogen to make it about 20 miles. So if you want to run fast, yes.