If you’re preparing for a half marathon, one of the most important parts of your training (beyond running itself) is figuring out your fueling strategy. Running 13.1 miles requires endurance, steady energy, and the ability to finish strong. That’s where energy gels come in.
But not all gels are created equal. Many popular brands rely on sugar spikes that leave runners crashing mid-race. That’s why choosing the right gel for your training and race day is critical.
In this post, we’ll break down the best energy gels for half marathons, why SFuels is a better choice than traditional gels, and how to use Zone 2, Zone 4, and Zone 5 gels to optimize your performance.
Why Energy Gels Are Essential for a Half Marathon
Your body has limited glycogen stores, and during a half marathon, you’ll burn through them quickly. Without replenishment, fatigue sets in, and your pace drops. Energy gels help by delivering quick, digestible carbs and nutrients so your muscles keep firing.
But here’s the catch: traditional gels are loaded with sugar, which can lead to stomach issues and energy crashes. That’s why more endurance athletes are switching to smarter fueling solutions like SFuels.
Competitor Gels: What’s on the Market
Here are a few of the most popular half marathon energy gels and their drawbacks:
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GU Energy Gel – Quick sugar-based fuel but can cause stomach distress and “spikes and crashes.”
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Clif Shot Energy Gel – Heavier texture, high in sugar, and can be hard to digest mid-race.
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Honey Stinger Gel – Uses honey as a carb source, but still spikes blood sugar.
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SIS Isotonic Gel – Easier on the stomach but low in energy density, requiring more frequent use.
SFuels vs. Competitor Gels: Comparison
| Feature | GU / Clif / Honey Stinger / SIS | SFuels Energy Gels |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Source | Mostly sugar-based (glucose, fructose, honey) | Balanced carbs + fat oxidation support |
| Energy Delivery | Fast spike, quick crash | Sustained, steady energy |
| Digestive Comfort | Can cause GI distress, heaviness | Gentle on the stomach, easy to absorb |
| Training Adaptability | One-size-fits-all | Zone-specific (2, 4, 5) for training & race day |
| Performance Support | Keeps you going short-term | Supports endurance AND sprint finish |
| Crash-Free Guarantee | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Race Day Strategy | Multiple gels needed | Smarter fueling by zone for fewer gels overall |
👉 The takeaway? SFuels is designed for endurance athletes who want consistent energy, fewer stomach issues, and smarter performance fueling.
How to Use SFuels Gels for Your Half Marathon
One of the biggest mistakes runners make is using the same fuel for every workout. SFuels changes the game with zone-specific gels tailored to your intensity:
🟢 Zone 2 Gel – For Training & Base Runs
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Perfect for long, easy runs where your body is training to burn fat efficiently.
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Provides a steady, low-carb fuel source to complement fat oxidation.
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Helps you build endurance without sugar dependence.
🔵 Zone 4 Gel – For Tempo Runs & Long Intervals
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Designed for higher-intensity training sessions where your body needs more carbs.
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Supports stronger paces without the crash.
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Ideal for long runs at goal pace during half marathon prep.
🔴 Zone 5 Gel – For Race Day & the Final Kick
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High-intensity fuel for pushing past the wall.
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Perfect for race day when you need that final surge of energy.
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Use in the second half of your half marathon to sprint to the finish line.
The Smartest Fueling Strategy for a Half Marathon
Here’s how I recommend using SFuels energy gels for optimal half marathon performance:
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During training:
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Use Zone 2 gels for long base runs.
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Use Zone 4 gels for tempo runs and long intervals.
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On race day:
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Start with a Zone 4 gel at mile 4–5.
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Take another Zone 4 gel around mile 8–9.
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Save a Zone 5 gel for mile 11+ to power through the final push.
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This ensures your body has the right fuel at the right time, so you never hit the wall.
Final Thoughts: The Best Energy Gels for Half Marathon
When it comes to fueling a half marathon, you don’t just need quick carbs—you need sustained energy, smart fueling, and digestion-friendly performance.
Competitor gels like GU, Clif, and Honey Stinger can get you started, but SFuels gels are built for endurance athletes who want to train smarter and race stronger. By matching your gels to your training zones, you’ll build endurance, avoid crashes, and finish your half marathon faster than ever.
👉 Ready to fuel your half marathon the smarter way? Try SFuels Zone 2, Zone 4, and Zone 5 gels and feel the difference on your next run.
