15 Best Supplements for Marathon Runners 2026: Know Your Sodium Needs

SaltStick FastChews solve the pill-swallowing problem with a chewable tablet that works without water – a real advantage during a race. Each chew provides 215mg sodium and 63mg potassium, and feedback consistently points to quick cramp relief and improved hydration. The orange taste is widely liked, making mid-run fueling feel less like a chore.

This format works best for runners who dislike capsules and want a portable, tasty option they can chew on the go. The trade-off: dosing is less precise than capsules (you can't easily split a chew), and each tablet contains a small amount of sugar – about 1g per chew. For long runs where convenience matters more than exact electrolyte ratios, this is a practical choice.

Clif Bloks Energy Chews deliver quick, easy-to-digest carbs popular among marathoners for race day fuel. The variety pack keeps taste interesting during long runs, and the chewy texture is manageable while moving. Priced above many gels, these chews are best reserved for key events rather than daily training.

For marathoners and ultra runners who need extra sodium and amino acids, this gel provides effective fuel. The smooth texture is easy on the stomach during long efforts. However, the premium price makes it better reserved for race day rather than daily training, and some flavors contain caffeine which may not suit everyone.

With 1000 mg of sodium per serving — the highest among the electrolyte mixes here — LMNT is built for runners who lose a lot of salt through sweat, especially those on keto or low-carb diets. The raspberry flavor is well-liked, and there is no sugar or artificial sweeteners. That said, the premium price per serving adds up quickly, and the sodium load can be too much if you don't sweat heavily or if you prefer a more moderate electrolyte balance. This is a specialist tool, not an everyday sipper for casual runs.

Huma’s chia-based formula delivers smooth, sustained energy without the GI distress common to many synthetic gels. The fruit puree and chia seeds provide a natural carb source that keeps blood sugar stable during long runs, backed by overwhelmingly positive feedback on digestibility and taste variety.

This gel suits runners with sensitive stomachs who prioritize clean ingredients over texture. The tradeoff: in warm conditions the gel thins out, making opening messy — something to plan for on hot race days.

Optimum Nutrition's BCAA Capsules deliver the lowest price per serving among recovery supplements here, with a straightforward 2:1:1 ratio of leucine, isoleucine, and valine in easy-to-swallow capsules. For runners who want pure amino support after long runs without the fuss of powders or the jolt of caffeine, this fills the gap neatly.

This is a solid match for budget-conscious runners focused on muscle recovery – not for those needing electrolyte replacement or energy during a run. Digestive sensitivity can be an issue for some, so it suits people whose stomachs handle concentrated amino acids well.

These organic chews deliver quick, sustained energy with a taste that runners consistently enjoy — no stomach upset or jitters. However, with only 30mg of sodium per serving, they lack the electrolytes needed for long-distance hydration. Pair with an electrolyte supplement for marathon use, and accept the premium price for organic ingredients.

For marathoners on a budget who prefer organic ingredients, this gel delivers 24g of clean carbs from honey with solid energy release. The honey-based flavor is generally well-liked, but the thicker, stickier consistency compared to premium gels means you'll want water on hand during use.

This powder combines caffeine, amino acids, and electrolytes for a pre-run energy boost with recovery support. The watermelon flavor mixes easily. However, the 100mg caffeine may not suit runners sensitive to stimulants or those running late, and taking it on an empty stomach can cause digestive discomfort for some.

Nuun Sport delivers effective hydration with only 1g of sugar per serving and a full electrolyte profile – a clear differentiator from the pill-based top pick. The effervescent format and wide variety of flavors make it a more enjoyable option for runners who don't mind a mild taste in their drink.

These tablets suit marathoners who want low-sugar, portable hydration for daily training or long runs where taste adds a pleasant break. However, the flavor can be polarizing – some find it bitter or unpleasant – and the tablets dissolve slowly in cold water, requiring a few minutes of patience. Those who prefer neutral taste and instant mixing are better served by capsules.

This powder provides 7g of BCAAs plus electrolytes and glutamine in a mixable formula that blends easily into water. It supports recovery and endurance during long runs. However, the taste leans heavily sweet and artificial, which can be off-putting for runners sensitive to strong flavors. The powder also requires mixing, adding a step compared to capsules or chews. For marathon runners who prioritize comprehensive recovery support and don't mind a pronounced sweet taste, this is a cost-effective option.

The BSN Amino X delivers 10g of amino acids per serving, the highest dose among similar products for muscle repair after long runs. It mixes easily and provides good value for the serving size. The fruit punch flavor, however, has a medicinal taste (like cough syrup) that may be off-putting, and it lacks electrolytes so it is not a complete recovery or hydration solution.

Provides high-dose minerals at the lowest cost per serving among electrolyte supplements, supporting hydration and cramp prevention for marathoners on a budget. However, the concentrated liquid has a strong salty taste that many find unpleasant, and the dropper bottle is impractical for mid-run use. This suits runners who can tolerate the flavor and plan to use it at home or pre-run rather than during a race.

Nuun Immunity delivers 5 essential electrolytes plus a blend of Vitamin C, D, E, A, Zinc, Elderberry, and Echinacea in an effervescent tablet – a functional combo for runners who want hydration and immune support in one drink. Ingredients are clean and clearly listed. Where it falls short: taste is polarizing, with many finding the blueberry tangerine and orange citrus flavors unpleasant, and tablets can stick together from moisture and dissolve slowly in cold water. That makes it less ideal for runners who are picky about flavor or need quick mid-run prep.