The short version
A drink mix delivers calories and electrolytes together in a form that is easy to take while moving, which is why it dominates ultra fuelling. Real food options sit better for some people and break the sweetness fatigue that ends many races. Use drink mix as the backbone; bring real food for the later hours, and practise both in training rather than on race day.
Common questions
How many calories per hour should I take?
Commonly quoted ranges sit somewhere around 200 to 300 for many runners, but tolerance is highly individual and trainable. Start at the low end, practise in training, and build up rather than experimenting on race day.
Why does my stomach shut down late in races?
Blood is diverted from the gut to working muscles, and heat, dehydration and very concentrated drinks all make it worse. Diluting more, slowing briefly and switching to something different often restarts it.
Do I need electrolytes as well as calories?
On long efforts, particularly in heat, sodium matters. Whether you need separate tablets depends on what your drink already contains. Read the sodium content rather than assuming, and see the note on hyponatremia in our hydration comparison.
At a glance
| Tailwind Endurance Fuel, 50 Servings | Spring Energy Long Haul Real Food Gel | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories and electrolytes together | Yes | Calories, some sodium |
| Ease while moving | Very easy | Easy |
| Flavour fatigue | Sets in over many hours | Breaks it up |
| Gut tolerance | Individual | Individual, often gentler |
| Cost per hour | Low | Higher |
| Requires water | It is the water | Yes |
Choose the Tailwind Endurance Fuel, 50 Servings if…
You want a simple system: fill flasks, drink, and you have covered calories, sodium and fluid at once. Fewer decisions late in a race is a real advantage when thinking becomes hard.
Check Tailwind Endurance Fuel, 50 Servings on Amazon
Choose the Spring Energy Long Haul Real Food Gel if…
Everything sweet has started to taste wrong, which happens to most people eventually. Real food style gels and savoury options are what keep calories going in when another sugary drink is unthinkable.
Check Spring Energy Long Haul Real Food Gel on Amazon
Related
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications and the general consensus of owner reports. We have not tested these products side by side. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.