The Sub-2 Marathon Project
When Eliud Kipchoge ran the first sub-2-hour marathon during the Breaking2 and INEOS 1:59 attempts, the carbohydrate-fuelling strategy involved a Swedish brand that had launched only a few years earlier - Maurten. The brand's public association with the world-record-pace running pushed the hydrogel approach into wider awareness.
What the Hydrogel Idea Solves
Traditional sports drinks plateau at around 6-8% carbohydrate by mass - push the concentration higher and the body slows gastric emptying, which tends to result in heavy stomachs at race intensity. Maurten's pitch was that an alginate-pectin gel that forms in the stomach's acidic environment could allow higher concentrations to pass through more comfortably.
The Range
Drink Mix 320 sits at the higher carbohydrate concentration end, designed for in-race fuelling. The Drink Mix 160, the Gel 100, Gel 100 Caf 100, and Solid 160 bar round out the lineup. Names match the carbohydrate content per serve.
Who Actually Uses It
Top-end marathoners, elite cyclists, and Ironman triathletes. Recreational endurance athletes use it too - particularly for goal events where the in-race carb load matters. It's not a daily-hydration product or a casual sports drink; the formulation is built around a specific use case.
On Aussie Shelves
Maurten is sold through endurance specialty retailers in Australia - Bicycling Australia stores, triathlon-specific retailers, and online endurance shops. The price-per-serve is at the premium end of the category, which is consistent with the brand's positioning.
Frequently Asked
Who uses Maurten?
Elite marathoners, world-class cyclists, and Ironman triathletes are the high-profile users. Recreational endurance athletes use it too, particularly for goal events.
What is Maurten Drink Mix?
Maurten's signature drink mix uses a hydrogel formulation that becomes a gel in the stomach's acidic environment, allowing higher carbohydrate concentrations to be tolerated during exercise.
Is Maurten available in Australia?
Yes - through endurance specialty retailers, cycling and triathlon stores, and brand-direct online.
