IRONMAN® Announces New Hydration Partners
For many years, triathletes competing in IRONMAN® branded events could rely on Gatorade Endurance Formula for their on-course hydration and fuel. However, this changed in 2024 when The IRONMAN Group announced the introduction of new hydration partnerships for its global series. These new partners are Mortal Hydration in North America and Precision Fuel & Hydration (PF&H) in Europe. The shift requires athletes to understand the distinct differences between the new products and the familiar Gatorade Endurance.
The Change for North American Races: Mortal Hydration
In North America, Mortal Hydration became the official sports beverage for IRONMAN® and IRONMAN 70.3® events, with the full rollout completed in July 2024. This represents a fundamental shift in on-course nutrition strategy, as Mortal Hydration is an electrolyte-focused drink with a significantly lower carbohydrate content than Gatorade Endurance.
- Low Carbohydrate: A standard serving of Mortal Hydration provides only 10g of carbohydrates, compared to the 46g per bottle from Gatorade Endurance. This means athletes cannot rely on Mortal Hydration as a primary fuel source.
- Higher Sodium: The new formula contains a higher concentration of sodium, with a 'regular' mix at 460mg and a 'salty' mix at 920mg per serving. This focus addresses the significant sodium losses experienced by endurance athletes.
- Strategic Fuelling: The change necessitates a decoupling of fuel and hydration strategies. Athletes are encouraged to use Mortal for electrolyte intake while obtaining carbohydrates from separate, more concentrated fuel sources like gels or chews.
The Change for European Races: Precision Fuel & Hydration (PF&H)
Simultaneously, for European IRONMAN® and IRONMAN 70.3® events, the partnership shifted to Precision Fuel & Hydration (PF&H), which provides its PH 1000 electrolyte drink on course. Like Mortal, this product is designed primarily for hydration and electrolyte replacement, with Maurten gels providing the necessary carbohydrates.
- High Sodium: The PH 1000 drink delivers 1000mg of sodium per litre, catering to athletes with high sweat rates.
- Carbohydrates from Gels: Athletes must supplement the PH 1000 with Maurten energy gels and other nutrition products to meet their hourly carbohydrate requirements.
- Mild Flavor: PH 1000 is formulated with a mild citrus flavor to minimize flavor fatigue during long races.
Comparison of On-Course Products
| Feature | Mortal Hydration (North America) | PF&H PH 1000 (Europe) | Gatorade Endurance (Previous) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Hydration & Electrolytes | Hydration & Electrolytes | Hydration, Electrolytes, & Fuel |
| Carbohydrate | ~10g per serving | Very Low | ~46g per bottle |
| Sodium | 460mg or 920mg per serving | 1000mg per litre | ~600mg per bottle |
| Associated Fuel | Maurten Gels, Solids | Maurten Gels, Solids | N/A (was in the drink) |
| Availability | TheFeed.com & on-course | pfandh.com & on-course | Previously widespread |
| Form | Powder mixed on-course | Effervescent tablets (pre-mixed) | Powder mix & RTD bottles |
Rethinking Your IRONMAN® Nutrition Strategy
For athletes who previously relied on the all-in-one approach of Gatorade Endurance, the new partnerships demand a more sophisticated fueling strategy. Here is a recommended framework for adjusting your plan:
- Test in Training: Never try a new nutrition product on race day. Practice with the new on-course options, Mortal Hydration or PF&H, during your long training rides and runs to ensure they agree with your stomach.
- Separate Fuel and Hydration: With the new electrolyte drinks providing minimal carbohydrates, you must carry or pick up separate fuel. For races in North America, this will mean Maurten Gels or Solids. For Europe, Maurten products are also the official fuel.
- Calculate Carbohydrate Needs: Determine your hourly carbohydrate intake goal (typically 60-90g/hr for an IRONMAN®). Plan how many gels, chews, or other fuel sources you will need to supplement your hydration.
- Practice Portability: Since you'll be carrying more fuel, practice using your bento box, running vest, or tri-kit pockets to store and access your products efficiently during the race.
- Utilize Aid Stations Strategically: Understand the timing and availability of aid stations. For example, on the run course, aid stations will have pre-mixed cups of the new hydration drink. Knowing when to grab a drink versus when to take a gel is crucial.
The Rationale Behind the Change
While IRONMAN® and its new partners haven't provided extensive detail, the shift reflects a broader trend in endurance sports nutrition. Modern fueling strategies often separate electrolyte intake from carbohydrate intake, allowing for more precise control over each element. The high-sodium formulas from Mortal and PF&H are optimized for sweat replenishment, while modern hydrogel technology (like Maurten) provides a potent and easily digestible source of carbohydrates. This offers athletes greater flexibility and the ability to customize their nutrition based on individual needs and race conditions, rather than a single, high-carb beverage.
Conclusion
The move away from Gatorade Endurance marks a new era for IRONMAN® race nutrition. Athletes in North America will now rely on Mortal Hydration for electrolytes, while those in Europe will use Precision Fuel & Hydration (PF&H). Both new products have a significantly lower carbohydrate count, necessitating a more proactive and self-sufficient fueling strategy with supplemental products like Maurten gels and solids. Successful adaptation requires testing the new products during training and meticulously planning a fuel intake schedule to ensure sufficient carbohydrates for race day performance.
Test Your Hydration Strategy
Knowing your individual sweat rate and sodium loss is vital for endurance events. Use this guide to help determine your needs.
- Pre-weigh: Weigh yourself nude or in minimal clothing before a key training session (e.g., a long ride or run).
- Record Intake: Track all fluid and food consumed during the workout.
- Post-weigh: Weigh yourself again immediately after, in the same minimal clothing.
- Calculate Loss: Subtract your post-weight from your pre-weight. Convert pounds to ounces (or kg to litres), and add back the fluid consumed during the workout. This provides an estimate of your sweat rate. For example, a 2lb weight loss + 32 oz consumed = 64 oz of sweat loss per hour. Adjust sodium intake accordingly based on sweat rate.
This is a simplified method. For more accuracy, consider a formal sweat test, but this provides a good starting point for your personalized hydration plan.
