Ready to level up your long-distance training and give the Easter Bunny a run for his money? We’ve found the perfect festive snack to fuel your next run.

I think we can all agree that while good things come in three, better things come in six, from your boyfriend’s toned abdominal muscles to your favourite post-work beverages. Now, the theory has been strengthened even further with the seasonal reintroduction of Australia’s favourite baked goods: hot cross buns. 

And thanks to a brilliant new idea combining our love of fitness with our unwavering bun obsession, the Easter Bunny won’t be the only one clocking up the kilometres on his smartwatch this year.

From run clubs designed to help singles connect with like-minded training buddies to a booming travel sector built around fitness-focused holidays, there’s no denying Aussies can’t get enough of the high-intensity, kilometre-clocking workout. 

Given our nation’s affinity for exercise and wellness, as well as our unshakable obsession with hot cross buns (and their many flavourful iterations), introducing the sweet Easter staple as this year’s go-to running snack is arguably a match made in heaven. 

But, while we hardly need another reason to stock up on our favourite flavours, what do the experts think about using hot cross buns to fuel our running adventures?

What to look for in a pre-run snack

As recommended by experts, runners should ideally fuel their bodies with easily digestible, carbohydrate-rich foods before setting out for a trot, allowing for a slow release of energy to encourage better endurance. 

“Generally, when it comes to a pre-run snack, I would opt for something that isn’t too difficult for your body to digest: a banana, simple carbohydrates such as toast and peanut butter, or something similar,” explains Ben Lucas, Director of Flow Athletic and head coach for the TCS Sydney Marathon this coming August. 

“You don’t want to eat too much, as you will be too full to run, and you want to avoid eating anything too complicated, as it may give you a stomach ache.”

Are hot cross buns a good pre-run snack?

Hot cross buns – a festive snack that is neither inherently unhealthy nor healthy – are typically made with butter, sugar, dried fruits and refined flour, so, while they may not be the world’s healthiest digestible snack, they are comprised of the perfect ingredients to fuel any kind of distance.

“They work for a pre-run snack because they provide a quick and easily digestible source of energy. They contain a good amount of simple and complex carbs. They are low in fat and fibre, so they are unlikely to cause digestive discomfort while running,” explains Lucas, breaking down the ingredient list of the humble bun. 

“They have a bit of protein in them as most Hot Cross Buns contain milk and eggs. The cinnamon and nutmeg may help with blood sugar regulation, while raisins add quick digesting sugars for an energy spike.” 

“Everyone loves a seasonal snack, and Hot Cross Buns are both tasty and nostalgic. While I wouldn't go as far as saying they are healthy to consume all the time, they are fine in moderation,” adds the running aficionado. For context, Lucas has completed 40 marathons and counting, though the number of hot cross buns he’s consumed is somewhat unknown…

Like anything packed full of sugar, hot cross buns are best enjoyed in moderation, but for the next six weeks or so (or until your local supermarket or bakery has cleaned out the shelves of their Easter six-packs), we say it’s time to make the most of the tasty, festive treat.