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US ultra-runner Hayden Hawks delivered an extraordinary performance at the Courmayeur/Champex/Chamonix (CCC) 100KM UTMB World Series Final on August 30, bounding to the line in a personal best time of 10:20:11.
Today, Hawks reveals the performance-enhancing benefits of an emerging runner’s superfood supplement, CurraNZ®, that he credits for helping him to ‘win big’ in one of the world’s most prestigious – and gruelling - ultramarathons.
Having rigorously tested the New Zealand blackcurrant berry extract for its recovery and protective GI1-3 benefits in 2023, Hawks realised at the turn of the year its profound effects would help elevate his form in the world’s biggest races.
In a post-race reflection, Hawks commented, “Winning CCC in 2017 was a career-defining moment, but coming back to win again seven years later– and four minutes faster - especially with the support of CurraNZ, feels incredible. I’ve always believed I could win the biggest races in the world with this product, and on Friday, that belief was proven right.”
After overcoming major knee surgery in 2023, Hawks noted that the exceptional recovery benefits provided by antioxidant-rich, blood flow-promoting berry allowed him to train harder and recover faster in a short lead-up to the 2024 season.
“CurraNZ has been a game-changer and allowed me to take my performance to the next level. It’s no coincidence that I’ve had some of the best races of my career this year,” Hawks added.
Hawks knew he was on the brink of achieving something special in Europe after his third at Western States in June, when he wasn’t fully fit.
He says: “I went into Western States off a short training block and ran the best I could with the fitness I had. But I knew I wasn’t in peak condition. Running that fast, in really hot conditions, showed me just how much more I’m capable of. I was amazed I ran so far under my Western States goal of 15 hours, which is why I’m so excited about the future and why I was feeling confident coming into UTMB.”
With scientifically-validated GI-protective benefits(1-3), CurraNZ helped him push hard in both races and fuel without the customary gastric stress symptoms that plague ultramarathoners.
“Despite the heat, I experienced no GI issues, which is unheard of – that’s a big deal in these conditions,” Hawks said.
“CurraNZ has definitely helped protect my gut and allow me to maintain my fuelling, which is vital when you’re racing for hours in hot conditions. Most athletes suffer some form of GI stress, and is something that’s always affected me, but that’s no longer the case.”
Hawks’ victory, achieved seven minutes ahead of his closest rival, further cements his status as one of the sport’s leading athletes. His ability to conserve energy early and power ahead in the latter stages of the race reflects the confidence he has gained from his intense training regimen and rude health he’s enjoyed since implementing CurraNZ.
“I’ve been really healthy since WSER, and my recovery has been off the charts. I’m no longer drained after big training blocks and racing like I used to be – it’s made me realise that I’ve never really recovered properly before. Everything is optimal and the results speak for themselves."
As an ambassador for CurraNZ, Hawks’ success serves as a powerful testament to the role of polyphenol-rich nutrients like those in CurraNZ can play in helping athletes perform at the highest level on the world stage.
References
1 CurraNZ, an anthocyanin-rich New Zealand blackcurrant extract reduces treadmill running-induced gastro-intestinal symptoms in the heat: A pilot study. Proceedings of the Nineteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo, 2023, Mark ET Willems 1, *, Tess R Flood 1,2, Matthew R Kuennen 3 and Ben J Lee, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/15502783.2023.2187955 [In review]
2 New Zealand blackcurrant extract modulates the heat shock response in men during exercise in hot ambient conditions. European Journal of Applied Physiology https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-024-05439-w, February 2024 Nathan J. Conrad, Emerson P. Heckler, Ben J. Lee, Garrett W. Hill, Tessa R. Flood, Lucy E. V. Wheeler, Rianne Costello, Ella F. Walker, Trevor L. Gillum, Mark E. T. Willems, Matthew R. Kuennen
3 Anthocyanin-rich blackcurrant extract preserves gastrointestinal barrier permeability and reduces enterocyte damage but has no effect on microbial translocation and inflammation after exertional heat stress, International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, July 2022. DOI: 10.1123/ijsnem.2021-0330 Ben J. Lee, Tessa R. Flood, Ania M Hiles, Ella F. Walker, Lucy E. V. Wheeler, Kimberley M Ashdown, Mark E. T. Willems, Rianne Costello, Luke Griesler, Phebe A Romano, Garrett W Hill, Matthew R. Kuennen.
CurraNZ® is a naturally-sourced fitness supplement made from New Zealand blackcurrants.
The science leader in blackcurrant fitness supplements, CurraNZ is supported by 50+ peer-reviewed studies that showcase its exceptional sports performance, muscle recovery and GI-protective properties.
New Zealand’s strong sunlight, high UV levels and cold winters are unique environmental factors that create a berry with one of the highest anthocyanin levels in the world and 1.5 times the concentrations found in European-grown varieties, with powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and blood flow-promoting functions.
The award-winning product is fast becoming a staple supplement of active people, including leading US and British ultra-runners and triathletes.
CurraNZ is certified by Informed-Sport, the global quality assurance program.
