How to Find the Best Running Gels For a Marathon
Whether you're gearing up for a half-marathon, marathon, or an ultramarathon, energy gels are a cornerstone of your fueling strategy. The right energy gel ensures for runners sustained energy, prevents mid-run crashes, and keeps you pushing through the toughest miles. But with so many options available, finding the best running gels can feel overwhelming. Here's everything you need to know to make an informed choice.
Consider Your Energy Gel Ingredients
Prioritize gels made with real, whole-food ingredients to avoid digestive issues and energy crashes. Unlike conventional options that use synthetic additives, MUIR Energy gels are crafted with 4–6 organic ingredients, such as dehydrated fruits and nut butters. These deliver clean, sustainable energy that’s easy on the stomach while being packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a great energy gel before your run.
Find The Best Tasting Energy Gel Flavors
Flavor fatigue is no joke, especially in longer races like a 50K or 100-mile ultramarathon. That’s why testing a variety of energy gel flavors during training is so important. When race day comes, you’ll want a lineup of flavors you already know and love. As you tire of one, you can switch to another and stay fueled without hesitation. Our energy gel collection features unique sweet, savory, and tart options designed to keep your taste buds engaged and flavor fatigue at bay, mile after mile.
Match the Gel to Your Marathon Event Intensity
The best energy gels for marathon runners aren’t always the same as those for ultramarathons or shorter distances.Not all running events demand the same nutrition strategy. The type of fuel you use for a higher intensity half-marathon is going to look a little different than the food you'll be using to fuel for an ultramarathon that extends into double digit hours. This is why at MUIR Energy we've created Fast Burning Energy Gels and Slow Burning Energy Gels. With a shorter, high-intensity event you want an energy gel that metabolizes quickly and provides your muscles with glycogen as quickly as possible.
Our Fast Burning products use simple sugar sources like dehydrated fruits and vegetables that metabolize quickly. When combined with our mineral rich and low glycemic electrolyte base, the result is a clean, fast fuel source for your shorter adventures. For longer, low-intensity events where you're likely to tire of sweet flavors, you want an energy source that's more satiating and provides sustained energy. Our Slow Burning products are made with raw nut and seed butters that contain healthy fats and protein that metabolize slowly and release energy over time.
Best Running Gels for Marathon and Training Days
Here’s a breakdown of MUIR Energy’s top-performing gels, carefully crafted to support every stage of your journey—from long training runs to race day and beyond. Whether you’re tackling a marathon, an ultra-distance event, or putting in the miles during training, having the right fuel is essential. MUIR Energy’s unique lineup of energy gels offers a variety of sweet, savory, and tart options to match your taste preferences, keep your energy levels steady, and prevent flavor fatigue. With clean, real-food ingredients and slow- or fast-burning fuel options, you can confidently power through your training sessions and race day with flavors you enjoy and trust.
Here’s how MUIR Energy gels can meet your specific needs:
Best Energy Gel for Long Runs
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Cashew Lemon Energy Gel: Packed with healthy fats and protein, its zesty flavor keeps your palate fresh during long-distance events like ultramarathons.
Best Energy Gel for High-Intensity Runs
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Red Raspberry Energy Gel: Bold, juicy red raspberry flavor balanced with the rich, earthy notes of blackstrap molasses. Clean energy to power your toughest runs.
- Pure flavor: Real red raspberry, no artificial ingredients.
- Antioxidant-rich: Helps reduce inflammation and support recovery.
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Fast fuel: Simple carbs for quick energy and mental clarity.
- Fuel Made Simple:
- 110 calories
- 4 ingredients: Red Raspberry, Coconut Palm Nectar, Blackstrap Molasses, Pink Himalayan Salt
Best Electrolyte Gel for Runners
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Cashew Vanilla Mate Energy Gel (90mg Caffeine): Powered by 90mg of natural Yerba Mate caffeine—about the same as a cup of coffee, but smoother. Yerba Mate delivers steady, crash-free energy, so you can keep going strong.
- Why We Love Cashew Vanilla Mate Energy Gel:
- Clean energy boost: Just enough caffeine to power your workout, no jitters or crash.
- Rich, natural flavor: Silky caramel-like sweetness from real, wholesome ingredients.
- Substantial fuel: A balance of complex carbs, healthy fats, and a touch of protein for endurance.
- Fuel Details: 145 Calories | 6 Simple Ingredients
- Raw Cashew Butter
- Raw Coconut Palm Nectar
- Blackstrap Molasses
- Yerba Mate Extract
- Vanilla Extract
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Pink Himalayan Salt
- Why We Love Slow-Burning Energy Gels:
- Nutrient-packed: Loaded with electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals to sustain your efforts.
- Versatile fuel: Perfect for long adventures or as a recovery boost post-workout.
Best Hydration Gel for Runners
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Cacao Almond Energy Gel: Fuel that not only powers your adventures but inspires them. Rich, wholesome, and made to keep you going strong. No spoons, no excuses—get out and explore!
- Why We Love Cacao Almond Energy Gel:
- Decadent flavor: Like a fudge brownie, but crafted entirely from real, whole foods.
- Real food texture: Smooth and satisfying, providing long-lasting energy.
- Balanced nutrition: Complex carbs, healthy fats, and protein to fuel endurance efforts.
- Versatile fuel: Delicious on banana toast, oats, or as an indulgent ice cream topping.
- 150 Calories | 5 Simple Ingredients:
- Raw Almond Butter
- Raw Cacao
- Raw Coconut Palm Nectar
- Blackstrap Molasses
- Pink Himalayan Salt
Fuel your journey with the richness of cacao, the power of almonds, and the simplicity of nature.
Why MUIR Energy?
MUIR Energy gels are designed with endurance athletes in mind, delivering some of the best running gels for marathons, half-marathons, and ultramarathons. Each gel features a clean ingredient list free of synthetic additives, focusing on real food for optimal performance. Whether you’re fueling up before a run, replenishing during a race, or recovering afterward, these gels offer versatile solutions for every stage of your training.
The Perfect Energy Source for Every Runner
MUIR Energy gels offer unmatched variety and quality. Whether you're seeking the best energy for long runs, electrolyte replenishment, or simply a clean and delicious fuel source, MUIR Energy has a product to meet your needs.
Start fueling smarter today and take your runs to the next level!