Many marathoners simply manage their fluid intake to avoid bathroom breaks: "In order to avoid the bathroom breaks, stop your fluid intake according to what has worked for you in other long runs (usually one or two hours before the start)" (from http://www.active.com/running/Articles/How_to_Run_Your_First_Marathon.htm?page=2 ).

For others, marathons are well organized events, with many stops providing water, sports drinks, and snacks such as fruits, sandwiches, etc. There are also stops with portable bathrooms. For example, the Des Moines marathon website (http://www.desmoinesmarathon.com/Resources/Frequently_Asked_Questions.htm ) states in its FAQ:

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Q: How often will there be bathroom breaks on the IMT Des Moines Marathon and Half Marathon course?

A: Some of the bathroom breaks (porta potties) are posted along the route on the IMT Des Moines Marathon course map, though not all of the bathroom breaks are on the map.

More than 150 porta potties are scheduled to be placed along the courses and 100 porta potties to be placed at Nollen Plaza. You will not have to pass more than two miles to find a place for relief, should you feel the need. The course is designed to offer aid stations every other mile and porta potties at the miles in between.
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