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Super Fuel, Not Super Shoe: The Secret to Sawe's Sub-2 Marathon
29 May
Summary
- Sabastian Sawe's sub-two-hour marathon victory was attributed to advanced nutrition, not just his shoes.
- Maurten's hydrogel technology enhances carbohydrate delivery, bypassing the stomach for quicker absorption.
- Elite marathon training now rigorously incorporates gut training alongside physical conditioning.

Sabastian Sawe's remarkable sub-two-hour marathon in London, achieved in just his fourth marathon, has highlighted the critical role of advanced sports nutrition. While footwear technology has advanced, the focus has shifted to the innovative hydrogel drink developed by Maurten.
This hydrogel technology efficiently delivers carbohydrates, bypassing the stomach to enter the small intestine more rapidly. This method ensures better absorption, a significant advantage during intense endurance events where blood flow is diverted from the digestive system.
Elite marathon training has evolved to include 'gut training' alongside traditional physical conditioning. Athletes like Sawe meticulously plan their fueling strategy, consuming specific amounts of carbohydrates at regular intervals throughout a race.
Maurten's hydrogel has been instrumental in powering numerous marathon winners and Olympic champions since its inception. The company has collaborated with elite runners and coaches to gather extensive data, refining its products for optimal performance.
Mathematical models suggest that marathon performance limits could extend to 1:57 or 1:58 in the near future, with athletes like Sawe and his contemporaries pushing the boundaries of human capability.