The Half Marathon Running Kit gives you energy, electrolytes and a recovery drink for a half marathon, at a better price than buying them separately: Hammer Gel and HEED during the race, Endurolytes for electrolyte replacement, and Recoverite after the finish. You choose the flavours of the gel, the HEED and the Recoverite – you focus on running, we’ve put your fueling together. Our sponsored athlete Gáspár Csere also uses the products in this kit in races.
What’s in the kit:
2 × Hammer Gel single-serving pouch (flavour of your choice)
2 × HEED single-serving packet (flavour of your choice)
1 × Endurolytes sample pack (4 capsules)
1 × Recoverite single-serving packet (flavour of your choice)
The Half Marathon Running Kit brings together the products we think you’ll use in a 1.5–2.5-hour half marathon: energy and electrolytes during the race and a recovery drink once you cross the finish line – at a better price than buying them separately. You choose the flavours of the gel, the HEED and the Recoverite.
What’s in the kit?
2 × Hammer Gel (single-serving pouch, flavour of your choice): maltodextrin-based energy gel, 90 kcal per serving (100 kcal for the Nocciola and Peanut Butter flavours), with no added refined sugar.
2 × HEED (single-serving packet, flavour of your choice): electrolyte sports drink powder, 110 kcal and 28 g of carbohydrate per serving, with 150 mg of sodium – no added sugar.
1 × Recoverite (single-serving packet, flavour of your choice): recovery drink with complex carbohydrates and whey protein in a 3:1 ratio, for after the finish.
What we had in mind when putting it together
You can focus on running: the kit contains everything we think you’ll use in a half marathon, together with the exact timing – so you don’t have to worry about fueling along the way.
No added refined sugar: the energy in the gel and the HEED comes from maltodextrin, a complex carbohydrate. HEED is made with no added sugar and Hammer Gel with no added refined sugar – without an overly sweet, cloying taste.
Easy on your stomach: stomach problems are the most common issue with race fueling. In our experience, the main cause is too much and too concentrated fuel, so we recommend a moderate calorie intake – 120–180 kcal per hour for most athletes – and you drink your fluids separately, as plain water.
Electrolytes all the way – on the topic of cramps: muscle cramps are one of the most common topics of running races. Several factors play a role in them: fatigue, pace, heat and the minerals lost through sweat. In our view, it’s not worth waiting for cramps before replacing electrolytes – the goal is continuous, steady replenishment, starting before the race. Magnesium and calcium contribute to normal muscle function.
Gáspár Csere’s kit
This kit lets you try the products that Gáspár Csere recommends and uses himself in races. Gazsi has been using our products since the Rio Olympics (2016) and is our sponsored athlete and ambassador. Our greatest shared success: at the 2020 Hungarian national championship, he finished the marathon in 2:17:43 – one of the best Hungarian times in 22 years. We are very proud of him.
On the product page, you can choose the flavours of the Hammer Gel, the HEED and the Recoverite before adding the kit to your cart. The 2 gels come in one flavour, and the 2 HEED servings also come in one flavour.
Is the kit enough for a half marathon?
Yes, for a 1.5–2.5-hour half marathon. The 2 gels and 2 HEED servings together provide about 400 kcal, and the 4 Endurolytes capsules cover the pre-start dose and the dose in the second hour. If you’ll be out on the course much longer, or you’re running in very hot weather, add extra gels or Endurolytes – write to us and we’ll help.
Why do you recommend so few calories per hour?
Because while you’re running, your body can only process a limited amount of calories, no matter how many it burns. Too much energy puts a strain on your stomach and often leads to digestive problems. If you feel it’s not enough, increase it gradually – it’s always easier to top up a little than to deal with the consequences of taking in too much.
Does Endurolytes help with cramps?
Muscle cramps can have several causes – fatigue, an unusually fast pace, heat and the minerals lost through sweat can all play a role – so no single product is a sure solution. In our view, the best way to think of electrolytes is like the oil in your car’s engine: they don’t power the engine, but without them it won’t run smoothly. Don’t wait for cramps: replace electrolytes steadily, starting with the first dose before the start. Magnesium and calcium contribute to normal muscle function. If you’re prone to cramping or you’re running in very hot weather, Endurolytes Extreme may be the better choice.
Why shouldn’t I eat in the three hours before the start?
In our experience, this allows your body to make the best use of the glycogen stored in your muscles. If you do need a little energy, have a Hammer Gel 5–10 minutes before the start – but not earlier.
When should I drink Recoverite?
Within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line. That’s when conditions are most favourable for your body to refill its glycogen stores; Recoverite provides complex carbohydrates and whey protein for this.
Are Hammer Nutrition products tested by an independent laboratory?
Yes. Our products are manufactured in accordance with US manufacturing regulations (21 CFR 111): every raw material used is tested for purity, potency, identity and integrity, and they are checked at every stage of production before they go on sale.
HOW TO USE
Before the race
If possible, don’t eat in the three hours before the start.
15–30 minutes before the start: 2 Endurolytes capsules.
5–10 minutes before the start: 1 Hammer Gel.
During the race
First hour: 1 serving of HEED mixed with about 500 ml of water, sipped steadily.
Second hour: 1 Hammer Gel and 1 serving of HEED with about 500 ml of water, plus the remaining 2 Endurolytes capsules.
Fluids: plain water at the aid stations as needed – usually 0.5–0.75 litres per hour, up to 0.8 litres in hot weather.
After the finish
Drink the Recoverite within 30 minutes.
This is a starting plan: try the servings in training and adjust them to your body weight, pace, the weather and how much you sweat. In very hot weather or if you sweat heavily, Endurolytes Extreme may be the better choice.
Good to know
Caffeine: the Espresso (50 mg) and Tropical (25 mg) Hammer Gel, the Cherry-Bomb HEED (25 mg) and the Caffe Latte Recoverite (25 mg) contain caffeine: not recommended for children or pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Allergens: Recoverite contains milk (whey protein); the Peanut Butter Hammer Gel flavours contain peanuts, and Nocciola contains hazelnuts and milk. Some of the products are made in facilities that also process other allergens – you’ll find the details on the product pages.
HEED and Recoverite contain xylitol – do not give them to your dog.
If you have high blood pressure, kidney or heart disease, or follow a low-sodium diet, consult your doctor about electrolyte replacement.
