Sports scientists and nutritionists suggest that nutrition can contribute 20% to 40% to athletic performance, depending on factors such as training, genetics, and mental preparation.
Proper nutrition supports training, recovery, and competition, and can maximize physical and mental performance
Beyond your V02max, anaerobic performance and daily running stats, pushing your muscle endurance limit through harsh terrains requires optimal nutrition to keep your body hydrated, energized and your hormonal levels optimal at all times.
If you’re an intermediate to advanced trail runner striving to push past your limits and achieve peak performance, clinically tested Tongkat Ali extract could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
Tongkat Ali extract is a superfood that maximizes athletic performance, particularly on muscle endurance and energy conversion.
Clinically proven nutrition such as Tongkat Ali is now widely used in sports to enhance endurance, particularly for serious male athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Tried and tested by runners of all stripes, this organically-sourced Tongkat Ali is packed with natural anabolic, potent ergogenic, and adaptogenic properties, making it a powerful supplement for endurance, strength, and hybrid athletes alike.
Whether you’re scaling steep trails or tackling long-distance races, a trusted Tongkat Ali brand AKARALI in helping running to push their athletic limit through the supplementation of standardized Tongkat Ali extract – touted as the gold standard in delivering clinically proven range of health benefits, including improved endurance, enhanced strength, better focus, and faster post-run recovery.
We spoke to avid trail runner and professional musician, Hanafi, about Tongkat Ali’s benefits for his daily training and ultramarathon races.
With demanding runs like the 28km Tioman Ultra under his belt, Hanafi has experienced firsthand how this natural supplement can elevate performance for similar runs.
His experience shows how Tongkat Ali not only supports physical endurance and energy but also sharpens the mental clarity and focus needed to tackle challenging trails, making it a valuable addition to any runner’s arsenal.
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Hanafi, who used our Tongkat Ali to compete in the recent UTMB Malaysia Ultra Trail 25km run, shared how it helped him sustain energy and focus throughout the race.
Despite stormy weather and harsh trail conditions, he managed to maintain his performance without feeling overly fatigued or exhausted.
“Even after running up 7km of hilly terrain, I felt confident and ready to continue if conditions allowed.”
Hanafi, who used our Tongkat Ali to compete in the recent UTMB Malaysia Ultra Trail 25km run, shared how it helped him sustain energy and focus throughout the race.
Despite stormy weather and harsh trail conditions, he managed to maintain his performance without feeling overly fatigued or exhausted.
“Tongkat Ali gave me the focus and confidence to tackle steep hill climbs and stay on track from point A to point B without stopping,”
Hanafi highlighted how it not only sharpened his concentration but also bolstered his mental resilience. This combination of physical and mental benefits helps trail runners like Hanafi to stay in control, pace themselves effectively, and push through obstacles with a steady and focused drive, making it an indispensable tool for tackling demanding trails.
His mental clarity and focus were attributed by the effects of Tongkat Ali in regulating cortisol (i.e the stress hormone), which sets a strong foundation for many endurance ultra runners that are exposed to testosterone and cortisol imbalance.
Unlike commonly-used energy gels, which is used on numerous runs, avid-trail runner Hanafi said Tongkat Ali provides a more natural energy boost, high more effective and noticeable compared to other herbs such as Ashwagandha or Fadogia Agrestis.
Comparing the two, he says that it feels completely different and that the energy boost from taking Tongkat Ali is more sustainable and noticeable over a longer period and on longer distances.
“Tongkat Ali could help highly-trained or pro ultramarathon runners win races, especially in tropical climates with harsh conditions such as high temperatures and humidity” he added.
Nutrition can make the difference between winning and losing
To top it off, he has also observed better post-run recovery, reported minimal fatigue and felt refreshed the next day after training. This was echoed by other marathon road runners too.
On the comparison with energy gels, other athlete runners like Celine Ng who have used our dose-optimized standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract capsules have commented similarly on how it is less harsh on both the mind and body, with fewer side effects.
“My runner friends and I love Tongkat Ali; it’s a great natural alternative to energy gels, which are more prone to side effects like insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, and hunger suppression”
Hanafi highlighted how it not only sharpened his concentration but also bolstered his mental resilience. This combination of physical and mental benefits helps trail runners like Hanafi to stay in control, pace themselves effectively, and push through obstacles with a steady and focused drive, making it an indispensable tool for tackling demanding trails.
AKARALI has established its reputation in various sports communities across US, UK and Australia after years of clinical trials, and tested by marathon and ultra-marathon trail runners, cyclists, bodybuilders and endurance cross-fit athletes.
It’s proprietary standardized hot-water extraction process ensures the highest bioavailability of eurycomanone, glycosaponin, zinc, magnesium and potassium that helps athletes and ultramarathon runners keep their testosterone level optimal at all times. This makes AKARALI a reputable and popular Tongkat Ali brand in the US, UK and Australia as a sports-oriented performance supplement amongst athletes and sports enthusiasts.
According to Hanafi, runners who’ve tried other Tongkat Ali products also found AKARALI to be superior in terms of energy and endurance enhancement.
“I gave some to my friend who has used other Tongkat Ali, he says the energy that AKARALI gives is more potent than the one he was using.”
Hanafi recommends taking our signature 200mg Tongkat Ali capsules closer to the start of a running, approximately 30 minutes before, citing that consuming it too early might cause mild stomach discomfort for him if not paired with food.
Taken with food, he highlights that it makes the body feel good during runs and helps him sweat more, an indicator of better thermoregulation and circulation – both crucial aspects for endurance performance.
As someone who has never used natural supplements, his preferred dose is two capsules or 400mg as-needed for running or trail races, citing that it is now an integral part of his preparation routine alongside water, electrolytes, and nutritious food.
“Usually it would be just water, electrolytes, food and energy gels. Now definitely must have Tongkat Ali in my sports activities especially running.”
For trail runners aiming to improve their endurance, focus, and overall performance, AKARALI’s dose-optimized Tongkat Ali capsules offer a convenient, natural, and reliable boost. With its potent properties that help with adapting to strenuous physical and mental demands, this all-natural supplement is an excellent addition to any runner’s training regimen.
Whether you’re tackling steep climbs, a particular distance, or chasing a personal best, AKARALI Tongkat Ali can help you reach new heights. Hanafi’s advice to other runners who want to try standardised hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract is succinct and simple, with a hearty recommendation to experiment with it for running.
“It’s better than artificial sugar or processed food out there. Give it a try for 2 weeks, and observe how it enhances your runs. You’ll be amazed.”
If you are interested in experiencing the benefits of Malaysian single-origin standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract for yourself, you can get your hands on our dose-optimized capsules, pure powder extract, or potent coffee, available worldwide with international delivery via DHL express.
Learn more about the best Tongkat Ali in the world, or reach out to us at any of our international offices if you have any queries or concerns.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (name, age, where you live, what you do for a living, etc.), your running background, and how you discovered Tongkat Ali and AKARALI
Nor Hanafi and can just call me Hanafi and 42 years old. I work in the music industry, mainly in music production and play in a band called Estranged that’s based in Sabah. Grew up in Ampang, Selangor and now residing in Shah Alam. I love the outdoors because it is my go-to place to go to for earthing, healing myself spiritually, physically, mentally and reminding myself connecting to my Creator. I do scuba diving and after covid I picked up hiking through my dad, later on running when I met Mira. Got to know about AKARALI through the founder who I met through our friend, Emmett, of the band Butterfingers on one of our hiking trips at Gunung Angsi.
How many kilometres do you typically run per week? What is your best time for different distances like 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and full marathon?
Either 5k or 10k on road. For 5K 35 min, 10K around 1-hour 12min. Never done half or full marathon but I’ve done trail running for 28km at Tioman Ultra, I got 8 hours 53min.
How often do you participate in high-endurance races like marathons or ultramarathons? Have you noticed any specific benefits from using Tongkat Ali in your training or races?
Haven’t done road marathons or ultra marathons. For training and trail runs, yes, I have noticed difference.
Can you describe a specific instance where Tongkat Ali noticeably improved your performance or endurance during a marathon or ultramarathon?
Yes, I do notice many improvements when I started using AKARALI. The recent UTMB Malaysia Ultra Trail 25km I did recently show great results. Having to running flat first for 3km and then going into trail, going up and down the hill for 7km without feeling too exhausted. Due to bad weather the distance had to cut short and I still had enough energy and confidence to just go and continue if the weather conditions were fine.
What other supplements do you use in combination with Tongkat Ali? How do they complement each other, and have you noticed any synergistic effects?
Now with AKARALI I have to make sure I’m fully hydrated and have enough electrolytes in my body. Haven’t taken any other supplements except for great food.
How do you prepare for a marathon / ultramarathon? Does your preparation routine include Tongkat Ali, and if so, how?
Usually it would be just water, electrolytes, food and energy gels. Now definitely must have Tongkat Ali.
Do you feel that Tongkat Ali has contributed to improvements in your stamina or endurance levels? Can you provide any specific examples or data from your runs?
Yes, it has, usually my body would need to warmed up for a few kilometres. With Tongkat Ali, I now don’t need to. It definitely wakes my body up.
How does Tongkat Ali affect your recovery process after high-endurance runs? Have you noticed any changes in muscle soreness, fatigue, or overall recovery time?
I would say I haven’t yet experience this because my running distance are still relatively short. So far after taking and then back to rest I don’t feel that much of a fatigue and the next day still feel good. Will need more time to try out this.
How has Tongkat Ali impacted your mental focus and clarity during long runs like marathons or ultramarathons?
So far it has given me focus and confidence, like during climbing on trail runs with harsh environments or even setting reaching my goal from point A to point B without stopping.
Do many runners or endurance athletes in your community use Tongkat Ali? If so, what feedback have you heard from them regarding its benefits?
So far, I have heard one of my friends who regularly takes Tongkat Ali for endurance and stamina.
What makes AKARALI’s Tongkat Ali different from other supplements or brands you may have tried?
I can only give a comparison with running gels, it’s totally different. More energy from Tongkat Ali. I did try and gave my friend who has used other Tongkat Ali, he says the energy that AKARALI gives is more potent than the one he is using.
How long have you been using Tongkat Ali, and do you cycle it or take it consistently? What dosing schedule works best for you in terms of running performance?
I’ve just started actually. During training or running I make sure that I use it closer to the time of starting. Somehow if I take it more than 30 minutes before my run starts, I’ll start to have slight stomach ache. Have to make sure that I’ve eaten properly too before taking AKARALI. At the moment I’m taking 2 tablets for each running or hiking activity.
How does AKARALI Tongkat Ali make you feel during runs compared to other performance-enhancing supplements you’ve used?
Makes the body feel good and I noticed that I sweat more than usual.
Have you noticed any improvements in your stress levels or ability to handle the physical and mental demands of high-endurance running since incorporating Tongkat Ali into your routine?
Yes, it has. It has brought up the whole confidence, focus, energy boost all into one great package.
Do you think Tongkat Ali can benefit other runners or endurance athletes? If yes, what specific benefits would you highlight?
Yes, I definitely think it can. However, I think it will work differently for how each body is built. So, they have to experiment with it and see how they feel. Definitely better than artificial substances out there.
What would you like people who haven’t tried Tongkat Ali to know about its potential benefits for runners and endurance athletes in general?
It’ll be good because it’s from Malaysia and its more potent than any other ginseng out there.
What advice would you give to other runners or endurance athletes who are considering trying Tongkat Ali for the first time?
Give it a try. Experiment and compare it with other supplements on your training and races. You will see the difference and be amazed on how it can enhance you better.
Alex Kua leads AKARALI’s Global Partnership Community to help athletes, sports communities, and thousand of others optimize their well-being through evidence-based research that enables them to make better informed decisions. His legal and business consulting background underpins the rigorous data-driven approach in his writing – from hours of interviews, real-world performance data, and firsthand experiences of real people – offering actionable insights that connects clinical research, emerging health trends, and real-world applications. He is also an experienced researcher in herbal nutrition, with years of deep technical knowledge on Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia), including quality standards, industry benchmarks, lab tests, clinical trials, and the use of natural herbs by collaborating with top scientists, herbal experts, and nutritionists. As part of the core team behind AKARALI’s knowledge portal, he empowers people worldwide to access the benefits of high-quality herbal nutrition in a way that is effective, sustainable, and safe. He is also an avid runner, with regular participation in local sports communities and running events.
Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.
Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.
Disclaimer:
The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read, or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contain Tongkat Ali. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.
