Q: Will lucozade sport help me run faster over 5k
A: No. (Edit: InĀ hindsight I’ve changed that to ‘probably not’)
Next question!
Two main issues here:
1. Carbs
2. Electrolytes & Hydration.
Your body has enough carbs in it for around about 2 hours. So you WILL have enough for a 5k
During a 5k run or race you will sweat and lose water and salts/electrolytes in the process. That’s OK, it’s normal. You’ll survive. You have plenty in your body already.
Do I use Lucozade Sports? Yep a lot! I use it as part of a process of ensuring that my electrolytes, water and carbs are always topped up before and after exercise. I also do Duathlons and that is MUCH longer than a 5k. I have one lucozade sport just IN CASE I might run out of stuff.
So during the race it will make diddly squat of difference. However in your pre- and post-run training it can be important. You should get all the stuff it provides in a proper diet but you might not in reality. It tastes nice, so have some.
Also the exact %age of carbs and electrolytes in the drink is scientifically proven to be important to allow the body to properly take it up. Lucozade Sports has these right percentages.
I sometimes have one instead of breakfast on race day. Can’t hurt to avoid the hurl. That in itself is a reason why it might be a good thing to have – Lucozade sport is more digestable than our normal breakfasts (for many people, not all). so if your body isn’t thinking about digesting you will have it thinking about running (so that might make you go faster). There’s also supposed to be a psychological but quantifiable boost to having something sweet in your mouth (ie just swilling a drink around your mouth might help)
Last Updated on 11 April 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten ā the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter ā the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck ā the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 ā front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 ā radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd ā the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 ā the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
