Fuelling is crucial for marathon performance, endurance, and recovery. You can train hard, but without the right fuel on race day, you risk hitting the wall, running out of energy, or even suffering from stomach issues. One of the most talked-about fuelling options in recent years is Maurten, particularly the Maurten Gel 160. Used by elite athletes – including some of the fastest marathoners in the world—this innovative gel provides high-carb energy without the artificial additives found in many sports gels.
But is it the right choice for you? Let’s break it down.
What is Maurten Gel 160?
Maurten Gel 160 is a high-carb, hydrogel-based energy gel designed for endurance athletes. Unlike traditional gels, which can be thick, sticky, and overly sweet, Maurten uses hydrogel technology to encapsulate carbohydrates in a way that makes them easier to digest.
Here’s what you need to know about it:
- Carb Content: Each serving packs 40g of carbohydrates, twice as much as Maurten’s standard Gel 100. This means you get a bigger energy boost in a single gel, reducing the number of gels you need to consume over a marathon.
- Neutral Taste: Many runners struggle with the intense sweetness of traditional gels. Maurten is light, mild, and easy on the palate, making it a great choice for long-distance fuelling.
- No Artificial Additives: No added colours, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners – just a clean and effective fuel source.
- Hydrogel Technology: The gel turns into a hydrated structure in the stomach, which allows for smoother absorption in the intestines. This reduces the risk of stomach issues, which is a game-changer for runners who struggle with a bad tummy.
Why runners love the Maurten 160
Higher energy in fewer gels One of the biggest challenges during a marathon is carrying and consuming enough fuel. With 40g of carbs per gel, Maurten 160 helps reduce the number of gels you need to take, simplifying your fuelling strategy.
For reference:
- Many traditional energy gels contain 20-25g of carbs, meaning you’d need to take twice as many to match the carbs in a single Maurten 160.
- This is particularly useful if you don’t want to fumble around with multiple gels mid-race!
Gentle on the stomach Many runners experience gut issues from energy gels, especially when consuming high-carb amounts in a short period. Maurten’s hydrogel technology is designed to help carbs pass through the stomach more efficiently, minimising the risk of bloating, nausea, or cramping.
No sugar crash Traditional gels can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar due to rapid digestion of glucose and fructose. Maurten 160 delivers energy in a controlled way, reducing the likelihood of sudden energy dips during your race.
Tested by the best Maurten is used by some of the world’s top marathoners, including Eliud Kipchoge. While we can’t all run like Kipchoge, we can certainly take a page out of his fuelling strategy!
How to use Maurten 160 in your fuelling plan for marathons
Fuelling strategies should always be tested in training first—what works for one runner might not work for another. Here’s how you can experiment with Maurten 160:
During training
- Use long runs to test your fuelling strategy.
- Try one gel every 30-45 minutes to see how your stomach reacts.
- Experiment with taking it with and without water to find what feels best.
On race day
- Many marathoners aim for 60-90g of carbs per hour during a race.
- With Maurten 160 containing 40g of carbs per gel, you might take one every 30-40 minutes.
- If combining with Maurten Drink Mix or other carb sources, adjust accordingly.
The importance of personalising your fuelling strategy
While Maurten 160 is an excellent option, fuelling is highly individual. Factors like your pace, stomach sensitivity, and personal preference all play a role in what works best.
Key takeaways for runners:
✅ Test different products in training – never try a new fuelling strategy on race day! Use your training to work out how many you need to take and when.
✅ Don’t just rely on gels – consider mixing with sports drinks, chews, or real food.
✅ Practice taking gels at race pace – your digestion works differently at higher intensities.
✅ Hydration matters – fuelling works best when paired with adequate water intake.
Maurten Gel 160 vs. Other energy gels
Wondering how Maurten Gel 160 compares to other popular running gels? Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Feature | Maurten Gel 160 | Traditional Energy Gels |
|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrate Content | 40g per gel | 20-25g per gel |
| Stomach Friendliness | Hydrogel technology for smooth digestion | Can cause stomach upset |
| Ingredients | Minimal, natural | Often contain artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives |
| Taste & Texture | Mild taste, thicker gel-like consistency | Can be overly sweet or runny |
Many runners find that Maurten gels feel less sickly-sweet compared to traditional gels, making them easier to consume over long distances.
Final thoughts: Is Maurten 160 right for you?
If you’re looking for an easy-to-digest, high-carb fuelling option that reduces stomach distress and the number of gels needed in a marathon, the Maurten Gel 160 is worth trying. However, the most important thing is to train with your fuel and listen to your body.
Remember, fuelling is personal preference, what works for Kipchoge might not work for you. The best way to see if Maurten Gel 160 suits you is to test it during your long runs and adjust based on how you feel. That way, you can find a fuelling strategy that helps you cross the finish line strong!
Want to try Maurten Gel 160 for yourself? Visit the Maurten website to learn more and shop.
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