One of the main pillars in any physical fitness programs is nutrition [1]. Adequate nutrition can optimize physical fitness levels and increase sports performance [1]. Specifically, nutrition knowledge, practices, and status play a crucial role in the preparation, performance and recovery of any endurance exercise [1]. Marathons are particularly demanding in terms of nutrition, especially for first-time runners and beginners [2]. Recreational runners need consistent physical training to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance, nutrition education is also considered as critical pillar in sports performance [1]. One systematic review evidently shows that most nutritional education interventions (85.7%) increase nutritional knowledge, ultimately leading to significantly enhanced performance [3]. However, many runners tend to undermine the importance of nutritional knowledge when it comes to their performance and recovery. A systematic review aimed at summarizing the level of nutrition knowledge in athletes showed ambiguous results that are of no difference compared to nonathletes [4]. After comprehensive research using the SANRA guide [5], data on nutritional knowledge among recreational runners is almost non-existent, specifically studies documenting the efficacy of mixed-method nutrition education interventions.

Therefore, the aim of this short communication is to evaluate the nutrition knowledge among recreational marathon runners before and after a mixed-method nutrition education intervention executed over a 5-months training period.