Do I Need to Carb Load for a 5K Race?
                                
                                
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                                    4 min read                                
                            
                                According to sports nutrition experts, traditional carb loading is typically reserved for endurance events lasting 90 minutes or longer, making it unnecessary for most runners completing a 5K. For a 5K, focusing on a balanced diet and a strategic pre-race meal is a far more effective fueling strategy than attempting to carb load for 5K.