Collection: Running sports drinks – Heed & Perpetuem for runners

Choose the right running sports drink

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.

Training for a marathon or ultra? Compare our long-distance sports and energy drinks to choose HEED for running sessions up to 3 hours or Perpetuem for sustained liquid fuel beyond 3 hours.

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. See our practical marathon hydration and sports-drink plan

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 →