Maurten on Race Day: The Fuel Behind Fast Finishes

A Chicago Marathon Experience

October is that time of year when thousands of runners take to the streets of Chicago to be part of one of the fastest and most iconic marathons in the world.

Among them this year was SportsShoes ambassador and elite runner Nicolas Dalmasso, who put months of training and meticulous fueling to the ultimate test when he crossed the finish line in an impressive 2:26:36.

In our first article of this series, Nicolas shared how he integrates Maurten products into his training routine to prepare for race-day performance. Throughout his build-up, he trained consistently with the same energy gels he would rely on during the marathon: Maurten Gel 100 (25g carbs) and Maurten Gel 100 CAF 100 (25g carbs). Maurten Gel and Drink Mix products are built with patented Hydrogel Technology, which encapsulates the carbohydrates to reduce the risk of stomach issues for athletes.

We followed Nicolas through the Chicago Marathon, where theory finally met practice.
In this interview, he takes us behind the scenes to reveal exactly how he fueled from start to finish and how the right strategy helped him stay strong throughout the race.

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Race Day: Fueling Plan in Action

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What was your pre-race fueling strategy?

In the two hours before the race, I had a Maurten Drink Mix 160 (40g carbs) to top up my energy stores. Then, about 30 minutes before the start, I took a Gel 100 CAF 100 (25g carbs) so that the caffeine would begin to take effect during the first few kilometres.

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How about your fueling schedule during the race? 

I took only gels during the race, six in total. I had one every 20 minutes, which is roughly every 6 km. Two of those were CAF gels, which I took at the 6 km and 18 km marks for an extra boost. In other words, I had around 80g of carbohydrates per hour, which seems to be the right amount for me.

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Some runners might wonder how to carry gels efficiently during a marathon. How did you manage yours during the race?

I used my Nike Aeroswift race shorts, which have four inside pockets: two small ones at the front for one gel each, and two larger ones at the back that can hold two gels each. There’s also a small zip pocket for anything else I might need, so I don’t have to wear a belt.

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How did you manage hydration during the marathon - especially when using the Maurten Drink Mix? 

I didn’t carry a bottle during the race. I used the official water stations every mile. During training, I use Maurten Drink Mix more often because I can place a bottle along the route. But on race day, I relied on the gels and water from the aid stations.

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How did fueling on race day differ from fueling during your training?

I use Drink Mix 320 (80g carbs) or Drink Mix 160 (40g carbs) more often during training sessions, together with a water bottle. But my overall carbohydrate intake remains the same as during a race in order to get my body used to the nutrition.

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Performance & Results

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How did you feel physically and mentally throughout the race? How did Maurten help you?

Everything went well. It was my 10th marathon, so I’m familiar with how my body reacts over the 42 km distance. I’ve been using Maurten for my last five marathons and I can now take in more carbohydrates comfortably thanks to training. It really helps in the final stages when maintaining target pace becomes tough.

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Did you experience any energy dips or low moments?

No, I didn’t have any energy lows during the race. My Maurten fueling plan worked perfectly. The only challenge was muscle fatigue, particularly in my hamstrings, but that’s part of a marathon.
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Have Maurten products helped reduce stomach issues?

Absolutely. I haven’t had any digestive problems since I started using Maurten. The Hydrogel Technology, neutral taste, and smooth texture make them really easy to take, which must be one of the reasons.

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How important would you say is fueling for performance and PB attempts?

Nutrition is a key factor in marathon performance. Having a clear, tested fueling strategy is a significant advantage and allows you to tackle the distance with greater confidence.
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Final Thoughts

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Would you recommend Maurten for race day and do you have any tips for someone trying it for the first time?

I would definitely recommend Maurten. The gels are easy to take during a race, they don’t have a strong taste, and you don’t need to drink water with them. You can take them when you need them, without waiting for a water station.

I would advise starting your fueling strategy gradually, especially when taking CAF Gels. Caffeine can be tough on the stomach if you’re not used to it. Introduce them during long runs in training and practice taking them at your target race pace, when your heart rate is higher. That’s the best way to replicate race conditions.

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For Nicolas, the Chicago Marathon was a showcase of how preparation and a precise nutrition strategy can lead to performance. By relying on the same Maurten products he uses in training, he ensured there were no surprises on race day.

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Keen to learn more about fuelling for performance and adventures? Then check out our Nutrition category for more handy tips, advice and recipes.