This is one of the most common questions we’re asked in the build-up to Run Sandringham 24 — and for good reason. Spending 24 hours running at the stunning Sandringham Estate requires more than strong legs; it requires a smart fuelling plan.
From deciding what you’ll crave at 2am on lap 12, to keeping your electrolytes topped up as the sun rises over the estate, here are our top tips to help you fuel properly at Run Sandringham 24.
Have a Variety of Choices
What sounds perfect at mile 8 might be completely unappealing at mile 18. One minute you might fancy nuts and dark chocolate, the next you’re dreaming about something savoury and comforting.
At Run Sandringham 24, bring a mix of sweet, salty, soft and crunchy options. Your taste buds can change dramatically over the course of 24 hours — especially in the later stages as you loop through the beautiful grounds of Sandringham Estate.
The more choice you have, the easier it is to respond to cravings and keep calories going in.
Quick & Easy Hot Food Options
When you’re tired and it’s the middle of the night at Run Sandringham 24, convenience is everything.
Pack easy hot food options that only require boiling water:
Instant noodles
Cups of soup
Pot snacks
Instant porridge
Whether your support crew is helping you at 3am or you’re sorting it yourself between laps at Sandringham Estate, something warm and low-effort can feel like a lifesaver.
Small, Easy-to-Carry Snacks
You won’t always want to stop for a proper meal during Run Sandringham 24. That’s where pocket-sized snacks come in.
Think:
Mini cheeses
Protein bars
Sweets
Trail mix
Energy chews
Choose items that fit easily into your running belt so you can eat on the move while soaking up the incredible surroundings of Sandringham Estate.
Little & Often
You may not always feel hungry during Run Sandringham 24, but your calorie burn will be huge.
The key is to eat little and often. Even a small bite every lap helps maintain energy levels and prevents the dreaded crash. Set reminders if needed — fuelling consistently is far easier than trying to recover from a big energy dip.
Gels & Energy Drinks
For many runners at Run Sandringham 24, gels and sports drinks are essential.
Everyone reacts differently, so test brands and flavours in training before race day. Some runners use gels regularly throughout the event; others save them for low moments when they need a mental lift as much as a physical one.
The golden rule? Practise in training — don’t experiment for the first time at Sandringham Estate.
Bring a Home-Cooked Dish
There’s something special about home cooking during endurance events. Familiar flavours can be incredibly comforting when you’re deep into the night at Run Sandringham 24.
A simple pasta dish works brilliantly — pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, maybe some cheese. Make it ahead of time, let it cool and store it ready for when you need something substantial but familiar.
You might be surprised how good it tastes when you’re refuelling in such a stunning venue.
Replace Electrolytes
Sweat loss during Run Sandringham 24 means you’ll lose important electrolytes like sodium, potassium and calcium.
You can replace them through:
Bananas
Lentils
Avocados
Milk
Tomatoes
Or by using electrolyte tablets and sports drinks.
When planning your pre-event shop for Run Sandringham 24, make electrolyte replacement a priority — especially if it’s warm on the estate.
Hydration: Drink to Thirst
Water is essential, but you don’t need to overthink it.
Drink to thirst during Run Sandringham 24, and take advantage of water points around the course. Having bottles ready at your base area makes it easy to top up as you complete each lap around Sandringham Estate.
Final Thoughts for Run Sandringham 24
The most important thing to remember? Everyone is different.
Use your training to test foods, timing and quantities so you arrive at Run Sandringham 24 confident in your plan. Fuelling well will help you make the most of every lap in one of the UK’s most spectacular event locations.
Train smart, eat smart — and we’ll see you on the start line at Run Sandringham 24.