What should I eat before a running event?

It Depends!. Hi, Depends on how long your race, what your body is used to and what size you are. Most advise a light meal high in complex carbs, approx 200 to 400 calories, about two to three hours before a 10k. Eat whatever you're familiar with: an english muffin with almond butter and jelly, cereal and a banana, an energy bar and gatorade, etc. My usual is a little bit of oatmeal and an apple. Others I know do fine w/just an energy gel. It all depends on what you're used to. Just make sure to give your body plenty of time to digest it. And eat a good dinner the night before. Eat well, but not tooooo well, you know? Otherwise you may end up racing to the port-o-john.

As a general comment, don't eat anything before a race that you haven't eaten before a training run. When you do a race, you want to be sure that your body will be happy with your preparation for the race. This suggestion applies not only to food but to water, sports drinks, gels, clothes, shoes, and as much as possible to sleep before the race.