Best Energy Gels for HYROX

HYROX sits in a unique space between endurance racing and high-intensity functional fitness. Eight 1km runs, eight brutal workout stations, and very little room to hide if your energy dips.

Unlike a marathon, HYROX is short enough to feel fast and intense, but long enough, typically 60 to 90 minutes for most athletes, that fuelling can make or break your performance. Get it wrong and you risk fading on the sled push or losing power on the lunges. Get it right and you maintain pace, strength and focus right to the wall balls.

That's where energy gels come in.

When Should You Take a Gel in HYROX?

Because HYROX events are typically 60 to 90 minutes:

• Take 1 gel 5 to 10 minutes before the start
• Consider a second gel around halfway if your race time exceeds 75 minutes
• Use caffeine strategically in the final third if you tolerate it well

Always practise this in training. HYROX is intense, and your gut behaves differently at threshold compared to steady endurance pace.

What You Need From a HYROX Gel

HYROX demands repeated high-intensity efforts. That means your body relies heavily on carbohydrate, particularly muscle glycogen.

A suitable gel for HYROX should:

• Deliver fast-absorbing carbohydrates
• Be easy to take on the move
• Sit comfortably in the stomach
• Optionally provide caffeine for focus and drive

Because the event is relatively short compared to ultra-distance racing, you usually only need 1 to 2 gels depending on your finish time and how well fuelled you are beforehand.

Here are some great gels that work great in a HYROX environment:

Maurten Gel 100

Maurten Gel 100 has become a go-to for athletes who want high carbohydrate delivery with minimal stomach issues. Each sachet delivers 25g of carbohydrate using Maurten’s hydrogel technology, which helps encapsulate the carbs and can improve tolerance during intense efforts. There is also a caffeine version if you want an extra hit.

For HYROX, this is ideal if you struggle to take fuel under high heart rate conditions. The texture is slightly firmer than traditional gels, more like a soft jelly, which many athletes find easier to consume quickly between stations. 

Hüma Gel: PLUS

For athletes who prefer a more natural ingredient profile, Hüma Gel: PLUS blends fruit purée, chia seeds and carbohydrates to deliver steady energy. The Plus version also includes electrolytes and, in some variants, caffeine.

In a HYROX setting where intensity fluctuates between running and strength stations, some athletes find this style of gel gentler and more palatable. The texture is slightly thicker and less syrupy than traditional gels, which can be helpful if you dislike overly sweet products.

Precision Fuel PF 30 Gel

Precision Fuel PF 30 Gel provides 30g of carbohydrate in a smooth, easy-to-take format. It is designed to be easy on the gut, even at higher intensities. Its clean formulation and predictable carb content make it easy to plan around your race strategy.

For HYROX athletes pushing hard from the gun, this gel works well either just before the race or around the halfway mark. There is also a caffeine version available, which can sharpen focus and perceived effort, especially useful in the final third when fatigue builds.

FAQs

Do I really need a gel for HYROX if it’s only 60 minutes?

If you are racing hard, yes. High intensity accelerates glycogen use. A pre-race gel can help maintain output even in shorter events.

Should I use caffeine in HYROX?

Caffeine can improve focus and perceived effort, particularly in the later stages. Test it in training first to ensure it suits you.

Can I rely on just a sports drink instead of gels?

You can, but you may struggle to get enough carbohydrate in without carrying larger volumes of fluid. Gels are often more practical in a fast-moving race environment.

Summary

HYROX is high intensity, but it still relies heavily on carbohydrate availability. The right energy gel can help you maintain power output, stay mentally sharp and avoid late-race fade.

Look for a gel that delivers enough carbs, is easy to tolerate under pressure, and fits into a simple, practised fuelling plan. Small adjustments in timing and choice can make a noticeable difference when every station counts. 

You can also use our Nutrition Calculator to help build a more personalized fuelling plan.