Meet the $45 energy gel that fueled the NYC Marathon winners

On Sunday morning, Hellen Obiri was crowned the winner of the New York City marathon. Naturally, everyone wanted to know how she did it.

One part of that equation was proper fuel.

The four-time world champion, along with thousands of other runners, stayed charged through the 26.2-mile race with carbohydrate-packed hydrogels from Maurten, a Swedish sports nutrition brand that specializes in energy products.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends consuming 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrates per hour of exercise. But, for serious endurance athletes, carbohydrates are especially important — and can make or break their competitions.

A study published in the International Journal of Disabilities Sport & Health Science looked into the effects of carbohydrate and caffeine-based energy gels during cycling, finding that energy gels increased blood glucose levels and time trial performance compared to trials without gel intake.

For Obiri, energy gels are key to staying energized, and Maurten’s unique form makes it possible to consume on the go — without being slowed down. Unlike messy liquid syrups, Maurten’s structure is firmer and said to be easier on the stomach.

Obiiri’s not the only one energizing on the course. Maurten was the official partner of the New York Road Runners and the New York City Marathon. Athletes could grab the packets at miles 12 and 18.

Maurten Gel 100 is a hydrogel formulated with a unique fructose-to-glucose ratio for optimal energy delivery. Unlike many other brands, Maurten uses only six ingredients with no preservatives, artificial flavors, or added colors.

But it’s not just about what’s inside; it’s about how it works. Maurten’s innovative Hydrogel Technology encapsulates carbohydrates, allowing them to pass through the stomach and be absorbed in the intestine. This not only helps maximize energy uptake but minimizes common side effects.

Traditional energy gels, often high in sugar, can cause gastrointestinal distress — especially if taken in the wrong amount or consumed too quickly. Users can experience a variety of symptoms, like stomach cramps, nausea, or even vomiting during intense efforts.

On their website, Maurten emphasizes that “one size does not fit all.” Factors such as body composition, sweat rate, climate, and personal tolerance all affect how much and how often you should take gels. The brand also recommends training with gels before race day to find what works best for you.

So long as they’re taken correctly, gels can be a powerful aid for serious athletes and amateurs alike.

This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.