Why Do Marathon Runners Drink Coca-Cola and Is It Truly Beneficial?

Remember the magical elixir that bestowed upon Asterix and other Gauls incredible strength and endurance with just a sip? In the real world, some view Coca-Cola as a similar wonder drink. Many runners prefer it over all the modern sports drinks on the market.Let's explore whether it is the optimal choice for training and competition, and how to address the potential risks associated with Coca-Cola, as cautioned by doctors.

Drink Composition

Today, the word "Coke" encompasses a wide variety of carbonated beverages. However, it all originated from the iconic US brand.At its inception, there was a pharmacist who battled his addiction to morphine and sought a remedy. His efforts resulted in Coca-Cola, named after its two primary ingredients: coca leaves and kola nuts. Naturally, the version we have today does not contain these ingredients.The recipe for the beverage is remarkably simple:

Purified carbonated water
Sugar
Natural coloring
Orthophosphoric acid
Flavors
Caffeine

Nonetheless, the manufacturers have successfully maintained an air of mystery around it: the exact combination of ingredients remains a tightly kept trade secret, securely stored in a safe at the Coca-Cola World Museum.

Why Do Marathon Runners Drink Coca-Cola and Is It Truly Beneficial? — Source: kapaim.co.il

For runners, information about the taste characteristics of Coke is not of primary importance. The necessary ingredients—fast-acting carbohydrates and a legal stimulant substance—are openly indicated on the packaging. This combination has made the beverage an integral part of running culture.

When and How Coke Became Popular Among Runners and Marathoners

While soda drinks may not seem like an obvious choice for many when it comes to sports, the International Olympic Committee holds a different perspective.Since the Summer Games in Amsterdam back in 1928, the committee has chosen Coca-Cola as its official beverage partner, and the brand has been providing support for every Olympic Games ever since.The tradition of incorporating this drink also influenced other athletic competitions, including running events.According to the renowned American marathon runner Hal Higdon, in the 1970s, some runners began adopting a scientifically supported recommendation that highlighted the potential performance-enhancing effects of consuming a sugar-containing beverage. As a result, an increasing number of runners started incorporating sweet drinks into their marathon routines. Despite the risk of disqualification, they took matters into their own hands by arranging with friends to supply them with these drinks, far away from the official aid stations.Hal Higdon himself admitted to having a preference for Coke, although he occasionally consumed Pepsi as well. Why these drinks? It all came down to familiarity and predictability. Higdon always knew what to expect from them. This aspect became particularly crucial during international races, as the taste and composition of Coke remained consistent regardless of the city, making it a reliable choice.

Other renowned athletes, such as Frank Shorter, also engaged in this practice. Consuming degassed Coca-Cola, he even achieved victory in the Olympic marathon of 1972.During the same decade, the tradition of offering soda drinks extended to the Honolulu Marathon. However, with the emergence of more aid stations and the availability of sports drinks such as Gatorade, the advantages of degassed Coke were ultimately outweighed by the newer alternatives.While the drink did face competition from specialized competitors, it continues to be a must-have at marathons and Ironman races' aid stations.

Coke vs. Isotonic Drinks

Initially, the composition of Coke aimed to meet the criteria of a medicinal product. However, over time, the ingredients and taste characteristics changed, leading to Coke appealing to a broader target audience.In contrast, the abovementioned Gatorade was originally developed specifically for athletes. Its creation was motivated by the experiences of Florida football players who frequently suffered from dehydration, resulting in hospitalization. To address this issue, the team's coach collaborated with a local doctor to formulate a beverage that would compensate for the fluids and nutrients lost through sweat.The resulting drink consisted of water, minerals, and glucose. The drink was so disgusting in taste that athletes were drinking it next to a restroom.Fortunately, modern isotonic drinks have evolved to fulfill their intended purposes without causing adverse reactions. They effectively replenish energy reserves and restore the water-electrolyte balance in the body.Related: 10 Tips to Avoid Toilet Breaks During a RaceAccording to a study conducted in New Zealand, the recommended concentration of sugar in a sports drink should be between 3 and 5%. Carbohydrate concentrations exceeding these levels, such as the approximately 10% carbohydrate content in Coke, can affect the body's rate of water absorption.In simpler terms, drinking Coke alone may not effectively quench your thirst. This is why experienced runners dilute the drink with water.Furthermore, Coke falls short when it comes to addressing the second objective of isotonic drinks, as it lacks electrolytes. Additionally, some experts argue that the caffeine present in Coke can actually contribute to the depletion of minerals from the body.However, it is precisely the combination of sugar and stimulant that has made Coke a favored beverage among many ultramarathon runners and trail runners.

When Is It Better for Runners to Drink Coke?

During intense training sessions, the nervous system tends to fatigue first. To invigorate it and enhance energy levels, long-distance runners often choose beverages that contain caffeine, such as Coke.Representatives of other sports also share this choice. Cyclist Ted King highlights that a significant majority of Tour de France riders, approximately 90%, consume Coke during competitions. He explains that on a hot day, a cold soda serves as a vital energy boost, providing a quick infusion of caffeine and simple sugars that help fuel the final stages of the race.However, it is generally advised not to consume Coke immediately before a race. By that point, a substantial meal has likely already been consumed, and the stomach may not appreciate the presence of orthophosphoric acid present in Coke.

Nevertheless, research indicates that Coca-Cola can effectively break down phytobezoars, which are clumps of insoluble dietary fibers in the stomach. It is worth noting that Coke is unable to "digest" the organ, as the acid in the drink is less aggressive compared to gastric acid.Still, many athletes consume the drink before the start of a race due to the heightened sense of alertness provided by its caffeine content. Hal Higdon, in his book "Marathon: The Ultimate Training Guide," shared that he consumed a can of Coke right before a race started.He emphasized the importance of runners experimenting and developing their own drinking routine before training sessions and races.It's worth mentioning that Higdon would release the gas from Coca-Cola before consuming it.

What to Choose: Coke With or Without Gas

Everyone knows what happens after drinking a carbonated beverage–hiccups, burping, and a burning sensation in the nose. It might seem logical to degas Coke to avoid these effects. However, triathletes beg to differ.Cyclists who took part in an experiment conducted by the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found it quite comfortable to drink soda during their intense training sessions.Nevertheless, there is a footnote in the article stating that the bubbles in a runner's stomach can trigger a completely different reaction.Or perhaps they won't trigger it. A remarkable example is Konstantin Santalov, a three-time world champion in the 100K run, who shares his experience:"During competitions, I would only drink ice-cold Coke with gas—it revitalizes the body during long-distance running. I achieved my record in the race in Brazil, tackling the scorching 32-degree heat and 100% humidity with the help of approximately 40 liters of this beverage—each can I consumed immediately evaporated on my skin.You might think that it took a toll on my health, but no, the only thing that bothered me was my teeth, which I couldn't touch for almost a week. Coke didn't cause any other harm because I only used it for races, not in everyday life or even during regular training sessions. In cold weather, I would opt for warm tea instead.I didn't start drinking Coke right away; I completed around 100 ultramarathons, so I had plenty of time to experiment. At the very beginning of my sports career, I consumed rehydration solutions and even prepared oatmeal for myself. Gradually, I made the switch to Coke.It's also convenient for another reason: international competitions entail changing water—its composition varies in each city, and it may not suit you. Whereas Coke, though slightly different, doesn't deviate so drastically.However, the impact of beverages on the body needs to be tested beforehand so that their effect doesn't come as a surprise during competitions. Therefore, I can’t recommend drinking Coke to all runners."

Do Professional Marathon Runners Drink Coke?

Many professional athletes admit that Coca-Cola helps them during long-distance runs. Camille Herron, Kilian Jornet, and numerous others are known to consume it.

During an interview, Chris McCormack, a two-time Ironman World Champion, described Coca-Cola as the best sports drink in the world.He recalled a time when he was struggling on the scorching lava fields of Hawaii during one of the most sweltering triathlon competitions on the planet. Feeling unwell, he grabbed a Coke at one of the aid stations and took a sip, instantly feeling a surge of energy.Since that day, Coke has become an indispensable part of his diet plan. The triathlete acknowledges that while it may not have originally been intended for athletes, it undoubtedly yields results. When faced with extreme challenges, Coke is his secret weapon.

Is Coke Harmful?

People are constantly discovering new non-food applications for the beverage, such as cleaning tarnished jewelry, dissolving limescale, relieving itch from mosquito bites, and even giving the hair shine. It seems that Coke can do it all. However, opponents of the drink add that it can also contribute to stomach ulcers, pancreatitis, and obesity.Indeed, there are relevant studies on this topic. According to one of them, approximately 184,000 people die each year as a result of consuming sugary drinks.Extreme cases have been reported, like that of a 30-year-old New Zealander who died from cardiac arrest due to consuming eight liters of Coke daily, an Argentinean who lost all his teeth from drinking the same amount, and a Briton who experienced lung health issues while consuming a critical dose of Coke.However, it's important to note that these are exceptional cases, and most individuals don't combine excessive amounts of Coke with running.As mentioned earlier, Coke is a sugar bomb. While healthy individuals who don't abuse the beverage in their everyday lives may experience a quick energy boost, those with hypertension and diabetes should seek alternatives.The drink attracts us because it combines taste and high calories that are easily accessible. In the past, consuming as many calories as found in a liter of Coke would require eating about a kilogram of apples. Can anyone eat more than five pieces? It's difficult. But drinking a liter of Coke? Much easier. That's where the danger lies.This applies to all sugary drinks. As for Coke, there is a sugar-free option called Coca-Cola Zero. However, it may not be the best choice for sports activities.

What Runners Can Replace Coke With

Let's once again list the key components necessary during long runs:

Water

Depending on individual characteristics, the type of exercise, and its intensity, the level of sweating can vary from relatively low to three liters per hour or more. Fluid loss impairs muscle function, so it is important to replenish it.

Carbohydrates

They serve as fuel for muscles and the brain. Additionally, they can enhance the taste of a product.

Electrolytes

Sodium and potassium are the primary electrolytes lost through sweat. These substances regulate water balance and participate in nerve conduction and muscle contraction.Electrolyte deficiencies can result in reduced performance, coordination, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, nausea, and even loss of consciousness.

Stimulants

Caffeine has had a complex history with the World Anti-Doping Agency, with periods of being banned and allowed again. Currently, WADA experts continue to closely study it.Sports dietitians agree that in small or moderate doses (75-200 mg), caffeine can help sustain performance, especially during the final kilometers of a long-distance run.Related: Should You Consume Caffeine During Training and Races?While Coke contains water, carbohydrates, and caffeine, it lacks electrolytes. To replenish electrolytes, you can take isotonic drinks or mineral water. If you choose to take salt tablets, avoid consuming them with Coke.If the combination of Coke with drinks that compensate for salt loss doesn't suit you for long-distance running, you can always find your own alternative. The sports nutrition market offers a wide range of specialized drinks that cater to the needs of runners.Advocates of natural nutrition can consider old-school recipes: homemade fruit drinks and jellies as sources of carbohydrates, and sweet tea (which contains approximately 11 mg of caffeine per 100 ml, compared to Coke's 8 mg per 100 ml) for caffeine.

Conclusion

Initially, Coca-Cola was not developed for athletes, unlike isotonic drinks. It contains low levels of caffeine, high amounts of sugar, and lacks electrolytes.However, history showcases numerous instances where exceptional athletes relied on Coke during competitions and triumphed over their opponents who consumed sports drinks. Can we attribute their success solely to Coke? To answer this question, we would need to replicate a champion and provide the drink to one while withholding it from the other. Only then would we have a true experiment.Until such scientific research is conducted, it is prudent to thoroughly weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the drink. Regardless of your decision, it is crucial to test sports nutrition during training and only introduce it into competitions after evaluating its effects.