Running sports drinks

Shop running sports drinks designed to provide steady energy, hydration and electrolytes without an overly sweet taste. Suitable for training, marathons and ultra-distance running.

Which drink should I choose?

By session duration

Carbohydrate drink vs electrolyte-only

HEED and Perpetuem provide fuel and hydration together. Endurolytes Extreme Powder and Fizz replace electrolytes only — useful when you're getting calories from gels. Many runners use both: a carb drink in one bottle, electrolyte water in the other.

Mixing and carrying

HEED mixes cleanly in a soft flask or handheld bottle. Perpetuem sachets are ideal for a race vest pocket. For ultras, pre-mix a concentrated Perpetuem bottle and dilute at aid stations. In hot weather, increase fluid volume rather than adding extra scoops.

Sensitive stomach & citric-acid-free

HEED and Perpetuem are both formulated without citric acid and use complex carbohydrates rather than simple sugars — lower osmolality, less GI stress at race pace. Many runners who struggle with conventional sports drinks find HEED sits well even at marathon effort.

FAQs

Can I use HEED during a marathon?
Yes — 1 scoop per 500ml, sip at regular intervals. Steady energy without sugar spikes.

How many calories per hour when running?
Hammer's guideline is 120–180 cal/hr. One scoop of HEED is approximately 100 cal. Start conservative and adjust in training.

Is Perpetuem suitable for marathon running?
Most useful for efforts over 3 hours. For a sub-3 marathon, HEED is typically sufficient. For ultras, Perpetuem comes into its own.

I have a sensitive stomach — which drink is safest?
HEED. Citric-acid-free, maltodextrin-based, lower osmolality than most commercial sports drinks.

Can I mix HEED and Perpetuem in the same bottle?
Not recommended — use them in separate bottles or alternate at aid stations.

Runners mention HEED and Perpetuem regularly in reviews — see what they say in the product pages above.

Related: Running Nutrition | Cycling Sports Drinks | Running Hub | Best electrolytes for runners →