Maurten Gel 100 vs Maurten Gel 160: Which One Should You Use for Your Race Distance?

Fueling can make or break your race. You can train for months, build endurance, and dial in your pace, but if your nutrition plan is off, your performance will suffer. One of the most common questions we hear from runners is simple: Should I use Maurten Gel 100 or Maurten Gel 160?

Both are popular. Both use the same hydrogel technology. But they are not the same product, and they are not meant for the same situation.

At Pure Running, we help runners choose the right fuel based on distance, pace, and carb targets, not just popularity. If you are trying to decide whether Maurten Gel 100 is right for you, this guide will help you make a clear choice.

What’s the Actual Difference Between Maurten Gel 100 and 160?

Let’s break it down clearly.

The biggest difference is simple: carbohydrates.

Maurten Gel 100 gives you 25 grams of carbs in a smaller packet.
Maurten Gel 160 gives you 40 grams in a larger serving.

Both use the same hydrogel system, which helps move carbohydrates through the stomach more smoothly. The texture feels similar, but the carb load is very different.

This difference matters when you start calculating how many grams per hour your body needs.

When Maurten Gel 100 Is the Smarter Choice

There are many situations where Maurten Gel 100 is the better option.

1. Half Marathon Under Two Hours

If you are racing a half-marathon and finishing around 90–120 minutes, your carb needs are lower than for a full marathon. Using Maurten Gel 100 every 30–40 minutes is often enough to maintain energy without overloading your stomach.

2. Interval and Tempo Workouts

During harder training sessions, you may only need one gel mid-workout. The smaller size of Maurten Gel 100 makes it easier to take quickly without feeling too full.

3. Runners New to Carb Fueling

If you are just starting to fuel during runs, jumping straight to high-carb intake can feel uncomfortable. Many runners begin with Maurten Gel 100 to train their gut before increasing intake.

4. 30–40 Minute Fuel Cycles

A lot of structured marathon plans recommend fueling every 30 minutes. One Maurten Gel 100 fits perfectly into that system.

5. Stacking With Drink Mix

If you are already using a carbohydrate drink, adding a full Gel 160 might push you too high. In that case, Maurten Gel 100 gives you more control.

Sometimes, smaller and more frequent works better than fewer large servings.

When You Should Skip Gel 100 and Use 160 Instead

Now, let’s look at when Gel 160 makes more sense.

1. Marathon Carb Targets (80–90g per Hour)

Modern endurance research suggests higher carb intake improves performance. If you are aiming for 80–90 grams per hour, relying only on Maurten Gel 100 means opening three to four packets per hour. That can be inconvenient during a race.

Gel 160 reduces the number of packets you need.

2. Long-Run Simulation

When practising race fueling during 30km+ runs, many runners prefer fewer stops. A higher-carb gel reduces handling and distraction.

3. Ultra Distance Events

For ultra runners, managing packaging matters. Fewer packets mean less waste and easier storage.

The key question is not “Which is better?”
It is “How many carbs per hour do you need?”

How Many Maurten Gel 100 Should You Take Per Hour?

This is where planning becomes important.

If your goal is:

• 60g per hour → 2 to 3 Maurten Gel 100
• 75g per hour → 3 Maurten Gel 100
• 90g per hour → 3 to 4 Maurten Gel 100

Body weight, pace, and race intensity all matter. Faster efforts burn more carbohydrates. Heavier runners may also need slightly more.

We always recommend testing your plan in training. Don’t try something new on race day.

Many runners at Pure Running start by using Maurten Gel 100 during long runs, then increase frequency once their stomach adapts.

Common Fueling Mistakes We See Runners Make

Even experienced runners get this wrong.

Waiting Until You Feel Tired

By the time you feel low on energy, it is already late. Fuel early and stay consistent.

Not Practising in Training

Race-day fueling should feel normal. Use Maurten Gel 100 during long runs so your body adapts.

Underestimating Carb Needs

Some runners take only one or two gels in a marathon. That is usually not enough. Calculate your hourly target first.

Mixing Too Many Brands

Different gels use different carb ratios. Mixing brands mid-race can upset your stomach. Stick with one system.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer smaller, flexible dosing and structured 30-minute fueling, Maurten Gel 100 is often the smarter option. It works well for half marathons, training sessions, and runners building up their carb intake.

If you are targeting high-carb marathon performance and want fewer packets, Gel 160 may suit you better.

The best choice depends on your race distance, pace, and carb strategy, not just what other runners are using.

At Pure Running, we encourage runners to plan fueling the same way they plan pacing. When you understand your carb target, choosing between Maurten Gel 100 and Gel 160 becomes simple.

Fuel with intention. Practice your plan. And let your training show on race day.