With the Sydney Marathon just around the corner, thousands of professional and recreational runners around Australia will be officially entering their “taper” phase.
Because if there’s anything that’s important to know about marathon racing, it’s what you do before the big day that matters almost as much as anything on August 31.
Ahead of the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, Olympic boxer and Dancing With The Stars semi-finalist Harry Garside shared his top tips for race day before taking on the gruelling distance himself.
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“When I’m looking for ways to improve my training, recovery, or just trying to make better choices every day, I look for things that are powerful, efficient and built with purpose,” Harry told Best Picks.
He has recently joined forces with the global home and kitchen brand Ninja, who have joined forces with the TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS for a high-impact partnership.
Harry’s top tips for race day
Carbs are your best friend
According to Harry, when you’re marathon training, it cannot be over-estimated how much carbs are your best friend.
“Protein’s great for muscle repair, but I’m leaning into carbs right now,” he said.
“Rice with a bit of maple syrup, banana on toast. It’s about fuelling up and making sure the body has what it needs.”
Runners can benefit from high-carb snacks both before and during runs to fuel their performance and replenish energy.
Good options include bananas, oatmeal, dried fruit, energy bars, and even sports drinks.
Hydration matters more than you think
Next up, while the right food is key, it’s what and when you’re drinking that is something you really need to think about.
“When you’re out there for a long time, staying hydrated is everything,” Harry explained.
“You feel the drop in energy fast.”
To help keep hydration interesting, Harry turns to the Ninja SLUSHi, a one-touch frozen drink maker that transforms electrolyte-rich drinks into refreshing slushies, ideal for cooling down and topping up fluids post-run.
Recovery is just as important as the run
“After a big run, I’ll usually make a smoothie to re-fuel — almond milk, banana, Biscoff, dates, granola… sometimes a bit of chocolate milk too,” Harry said.
He uses the Ninja Stealth IQ to blend it all together, a brand new Ninja product launching at the end of September:
“It’s quick, powerful and smooth. Everything you want post-run,” he explained.
Harry added: “I’ve had a pretty complex relationship with food, especially coming from boxing where weight cuts can be brutal.
“But training for a marathon has been a shift. It’s not about restriction — it’s about respect for your body and fuelling it properly.”
2025 marks the launch of a three-year partnership between Ninja and the TCS Sydney Marathon, and is the latest in a series of sporting-led partnerships designed to support athletes, spectators and beyond.
Ninja will have a major presence at the pre-race TCS Sydney Marathon Running Show, giving runners a first look at its latest innovations.
On race day, the brand will bring the energy with a DJ-powered “You Can Make It” cheer zone and a post-race Recovery Village designed to help participants relax, refuel and recharge.
For more information and to shop Ninja’s products, head here now.
