THE DEFAULT
GU Energy Gel
$$ mid-range within gels & nutrition
The gel everyone starts with and half the field still uses at kilometre 35. Thick, sweet, and available in more flavours than anyone asked for, some with caffeine and some without. If you have ever picked up a gel at a Canadian race expo, it was probably one of these.
Best for: runners who want the proven, boring, everywhere option
See price & details on Amazon.ca →Current price, sizes, flavours and full specs live on the Amazon listing.
Worth knowing about gels & nutrition
- Practice your exact race fueling on long runs, same brand, same timing, same flavour, so race day contains zero experiments.
- If you use caffeinated gels, save them for the back half of the race, and check the label, because caffeine content varies a lot between flavours of the same brand.
- Buy singles or a variety pack before committing to a case of 24, because a case of a flavour you hate is a very long-term relationship.
- Canadian road race aid stations most often stock water and a sports drink like Gatorade or Nuun, and sometimes gels at bigger marathons, but carry your own if your plan depends on a specific product.
Also in gels & nutrition
Maurten Gel 160THE FANCY ONE
SIS GO Isotonic Energy GelNO WATER NEEDED
Honey Stinger Organic Energy GelTASTES LIKE FOOD
Honey Stinger WafflePRE-RACE BREAKFAST
Clif Bloks Energy ChewsFOR GEL HATERS
Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink MixSUBTLE FLAVOURAs an Amazon Associate, RaceFinder earns from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. It doesn't change the price you pay, and it has never changed a pick.