Free space= what to do?

[Dr_KY]

Recieved this email today..

Hi Al, The marathon is the first Sunday in October, starts 10 finishes 1pm. We have never provided food for this event before so not sure how it will go, but it is up to you what you provide foodwise. We just thought it would be an extra thing to add to the event. We usually have about 700 people running, obviously not all will want food, but we have been asked on several occasion where they can get food.

The second event is our Christma fair, this is on the 1st November and is usually held indoors, but this year we are putting on an ice skating rink and hopefully some stall outside. This is more of an opportunity for you to sell or take orders for whole hams etc. Maybe tastes etc would be a good idea. Last year we have over 350 people through the door so plenty of opprotunity to take orders, especially if they can smell the food and maybe taste it. I will find out if we want hot food for sale that day. Hope this info helps with your decision.

Kind Regards Sue

I'm thinking healthy options like chicken and veggie skewers for the marathon.

For the christmas event we are thinking hot drinks, a few smoked hams cryovacked on standby and tasters.


Thoughts/ opinions/ suggestions?

[Skip]

Hmmm I would check into the healthy aspect for the runners. With all the calories they eat up that day they will probably eat the leg off a horse. Unless its a before run meal.

[Dr_KY]

My guess would be during the event ( spectators) and after for all of the above.

How about a cold pasta option and mountains of fresh fruit to go with it all?

[C Rocke]

Spectators for these events are strung out all over the course, so may not count too much on them. Post race, most marathoners have a recovery routine, and usually do not hang around too long to socialize, drink and eat. Racers will keep moving for 15-20 mins after the race, and then fatigue will set in. Also, a lot of racers will not have cash with them. Wallets and keys are with friends or in their cars, and they might not be close.

If you do vend, juice and chocolate milk are post race staples, as are carbs. Would suggest something they can grab and go with quickly, and also find out what sponsors will be giving away freebies after the race. Good luck.

[G$]

Originally Posted by Dr_KY

My guess would be during the event ( spectators) and after for all of the above.

How about a cold pasta option and mountains of fresh fruit to go with it all?

I have done some distance running. Personally, I am FAMISHED shportly afterword, and could/want to eat quite a lot, including protein/BBQ type stuff.

But ...

Usually the race provides some quick FREE stuff that fits the bill for immediate food. The real hunger hits an hour or so later, and I am frankly not picturing that I would hang around, find some money, and pay for food at the race.

Spectators may be an option, but they are usually along the course, and after the race don't 'hang around' as much as you might think.

This is a tough one.

[KC_Bobby]

I can't imagine wanting anything to eat after running that long - maybe an orange or banana. Water and Gatorade would seem like what most runners would go for. Isn't adrenalin a natural suppressant of hunger? I would think one's heart beat would have to return to near normal before hunger comes in.

[schellter]

At the finish of 100mi and 200mi bicycle rides food is often served and frequently it is BBQ. Long distance riders, like runners also have a recovery routine and they usually cool down and take their recovery drink before eating. But at the end of a long ride lots of people sit around a table with a plate of food discussing the challenges of the day's ride.

Larry
LA, CA