Real-Time Observations of Food and Fluid Timing During a 120 km Ultramarathon In this case study, it was about using real-time observations to investigate the timing of ultramarathon runners in food intake and fluid intake per 15 km and per hour and the entire body weight loss due to dehydration. The study included five male ultramarathon runners who were observed during a 120 km long race. The members of the research team followed on a bicycle and continuously watched their food intake with cameras. The hourly carbohydrate intake was between 22.1 and 62.6 g / h and the fluid intake varied between 260 and 603 ml / h. These numbers remained relatively stable during the ultra-endurance marathon. The runners took an average of 3-6 times a 15 km of food and liquid. The runners reached a higher total carbohydrate consumption in the second half of the race, but no higher fluid intake. Energy desire contributed most to the entire average carbohydrate recording. The weight after the race was 3.6 ± 2.3% lower than the weight before the race, resulting in a non-significant but practical relevant difference.
In summary, it can be said that the runners could comply with a constant timing of the food and fluid supply during the competition, but have adapted their food selection in the second half of the race. The great variation in the absorption of fluid and carbohydrates suggests that recommendations need to be individualized to further optimize personal admission. The work can be found under https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29780808/