The aim of the study was an assessment of the mode of nutrition of endurance athletes in view of the Polish recommended dietary allowances (RDA) and special recommendations for athletes. In all, 142 male and 83 female athletes, members of sport clubs or pupils of sport-oriented schools, participated in the study. The mode of nutrition was assessed from 24 h dietary recalls for the preceding day. The intakes of energy, selected vitamins and minerals in daily rations were computed by using a specially designed software. Daily energy intake by male subjects corresponded to the mean demand of the group while protein intake exceeded the “safe level of intake” by 58 - 96%, depending on subjects’ age. The itakes of vitamins and minerals were adequate. Energy intake by female subjects was by 15 - 20% lower from the mean demand and this was also reflected in inadequate intakes of vitamins and minerals (especially calcium and iron) which could have affected the work capacity.