In a groundbreaking shift for endurance athletes, AKARALI Tongkat Ali has emerged as the top natural supplement of choice for runners, replacing traditional energy gels with its superior endurance-boosting benefits.
Runners across the globe, from RunThrough UK – the largest running community in the UK – to Malaysian running groups like KJRC, MAF Runners Club, and Penang Running Club, as well as Australian ParkRun running communities, are incorporating AKARALI’s Tongkat Ali supplement into their training and race regimens.
And this is new beginning of global shift that AKARALI is proud to be part of.
As more athletes and recreational runners switching to natural supplements in 2025, AKARALI is setting a new benchmark in sports nutrition to empower athletes to achieve more performance by introducing clinically-proven Tongkat Ali supplement using proprietary US-patented standardized hot water extract. The 100% natural ingredient derived from a plant known as Eurycoma Longifolia (or LongJack), used by mankind since is first discovery in the 1800s.
Current performance tests showed that standardized Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) using hot water extract technology enabled athletes gain short-term energy boost and long-term energy support via hormone regulation that helps better metabolic energy conversion in ultramarathon races.
“There is a growing trend of runners who are moving away from ultra-processed food such as energy gels” said a certified dietitian in New York. As a former GNC pharmacist, Sarah explained that most healthy runners are mindful of what goes into their body, as they prefer eating carb-loading with whole food before running and taking natural plant-based supplements that are certified as pure, minimal additives, or those without maltodextrin.
GU energy gels have been around for more than a decade, but Tongkat Ali has been used as an energy booster for centuries. As a science-backed natural ingredient, Tongkat Ali is a clear winner for all-rounded energy supplement for runners.
According to a survey involving 100 endurance athletes, Tongkat Ali remains the preferred choice with 80% prefer taking it as a sports / race day supplement compared to Ashwagandha, Turkesterone and Fadogia Agrestis, as it helps to fuel energy through better hormonal balance, while supporting a better metabolic and cardiovascular health during tough races.
Derived from MIT-formulated Malaysian yellow Tongkat Ali pure root extract, AKARALI is rapidly becoming the preferred and trusted natural endurance supplement for athletes including ultramarathon runners across the UK, US, Malaysia, Australia, and beyond. Its purity from 100% natural plant-based ingredient gained more popularity in the UK and US as runners are slowly ditching energy gels that are mostly spiked with synthetic sugar.
A standard energy gel GU has about 20 grams of sugar in it. You end up taking 20 energy gels for a 100-mile race, and that’s a lot of artificial sugar in your body. But does your body need that much sugar?
“At least 9 randomized controlled trial (RCTs) studies on standardized Tongkat Ali showed improvements in testosterone, which is closely associated with endurance, energy and overall athletic performance.” said Alex Kua, Global Community Lead for AKARALI.
He added that the shift towards natural, plant-based performance enhancers marks a new era in endurance sports. Traditional carbohydrate-heavy and sugar-heavy energy gels are being replaced with efficient science-backed natural alternatives, and AKARALI is leading the way in this movement with its performance tested and clinically tested US-patented standardized hot water extract.
Tongkat Ali stands out as a choice for runners due to natural adaptogenic ingredients such as eurycomanone, eurypeptides crude protein, glycosaponin, calcium, magnesium and potassium that helps improve energy and stamina for endurance athletes.
“The global running community is now recognizing that optimal endurance isn’t just about refueling with sugar-spiked power gels” said 38-year-old Ollie, an ultramarathon runner who took part in the Battersea Run in the UK, adding that “it’s about equipping the body with sustainable energy sources that work with its natural metabolic and hormonal systems”
For those looking to break personal records, go the extra mile, or simply enjoy long-distance running with sustained energy, AKARALI stands as the trusted natural supplement brand to energy gels. This brand is popular amongst recreational runners, first-time runners and even seasoned ultramarathon runners – especially those who are highly exposed to exercise-induced hypogonadism, which is common amongst runners above 40.
For decades, runners have relied on sugar-packed energy gels for an instant boost during races and endurance events. However, these gels often lead to energy crashes, gastrointestinal discomfort, and an inconsistent supply of fuel during long-distance races.
Natural energy gels are deemed as ultra-processed food, which are touted as synthetic, but runners are now considering herbs such as Tongkat Ali to be added to creatine, zinc, magnesium and even Omega Fish Oil as part of runner’s health stack.
“I tried the recommended dosage of 400mg by Dr. Andrew Huberman in my daily training, and it worked amazingly well after the 10th km” said a Jeanne, a recreational runner based in Boston. She added that Tongkat Ali is in her top list of running supplement next to energy gels.
Tongkat Ali works to improve athletic performance at cellular level from mitochondrial energy production, optimizing testosterone levels, and reducing cortisol (stress hormone). This is a sustainable improvement approach compared to energy gels.
Scientists in AKARALI found a potent Tongkat Ali formulation that offers a long-term and sustainable energy solution by enhancing natural energy metabolism at the cellular level, ensuring stamina, endurance, and overall performance are maintained throughout a race or training session.
“The MIT scientists have helped us built a strong foundation behind the potent formulation of a standardize hot water extraction which begins at the core of harvesting and choosing the best Tongkat Ali plants in Malaysia”, said Dr. Annie George, a leading scientist in Biotropics who was instrumental in the development and research of Tongkat Ali.
Unlike sugar-based energy gels, which provide only short-term boosts, AKARALI works at the cellular level, improving mitochondrial energy production, optimizing testosterone levels, and reducing cortisol – the primary stress hormone that hinders endurance performance. This makes AKARALI’s Tongkat Ali amongst the best natural supplement that are trusted amongst runners in their 30s to 50s.
Runners who took AKARALI are competing in global international races such UTMB Ultramarathons and World Majors. It honestly worked for most of them.
Research suggests that Tongkat Ali enhances ATP production, allowing muscles to function optimally even in extreme endurance challenges.
According to Dr. Robert G. Cooper, a researcher in sports physiology, “Testosterone plays a crucial role in endurance running performance by increasing red blood cell production, improving oxygen delivery to muscles, and enhancing recovery rates.”
AKARALI has worked with British athletes and runners in the UK with its partnership with RunThrough, the largest sports community in Great Britain. This milestone sets the tone for many performance case studies by recreational runners who opt for performance supplements using natural herbs such as Tongkat Ali.
According to Alex, AKARALI is amongst the UK-registered brand that have gained a strong consumer trust as a sports supplement due to its energy-boosting capacity from testosterone regulation support that benefitted sprinters and endurance runners. “We are proud to hear how our products have helped British runners and consumers go further distance in their running performance, even by a small margin” he added.
He noted that dietary supplements play an important role in marginal improvements in short-term, but it has compounded and sustainable effect in the longer term due to the changes that are taking effect at the cellular level. “AKARALI’s potency and efficacy bogs down to the purity of our extract. It is the most natural product you could buy in the UK and US that are formulated for runners” said Alex.
The impact of AKARALI was most evident in ultramarathon races, where seasoned and recreational runners alike have used it successfully in endurance challenges such as the UTMB Chiang Mai ultramarathon and other ultra-distance events across multiple countries.
Several runners such as 35 year old Aqmal Adzmi have reported experiencing longer-lasting energy, improved recovery, and better mental focus compared to using conventional energy boosters.
“I’ve run multiple ultramarathons, including the UTMB Chiang Mai 100km race, and AKARALI has been a game-changer,” says James Carter, an experienced ultra-runner from the UK.
“Unlike energy gels that fade quickly, standardized Tongkat Ali extract used in AKARALI supplements kept my stamina steady, allowing me to push further without crashing. My energy boost is just mega.” He added
Similarly, Malaysian ultramarathoner Farhan Aziz credits AKARALI for helping him sustain peak endurance levels: “Running 80km in Cameron Ultra 100 was tough, but with AKARALI in my system, I felt sustained energy throughout the race without needing to refuel as often.”
In Australia, endurance athlete Sarah McIntyre completed a grueling 90km trail run across the Blue Mountains and was impressed by how AKARALI helped maintain her stamina over long distances.
“I used to rely on multiple energy gels and caffeine, but they always left me feeling depleted later in the race. With AKARALI, I noticed sustained performance, fewer muscle cramps, and an overall sense of balance in my energy levels,” she shared.
Natural supplements with adaptogenic and anabolic properties such as Tongkat Ali are showing positive results when tested by real world athletes who prioritize stamina and energy in completing long distance running. This is not surprising for many as traditionally, Tongkat Ali has been used a herbal tonic drink by the indigenous, or better known as “Orang Asli” in Malaysia dating for centuries. In the 1880s, documented use of Tongkat Ali as an energy booster was first discovered by William Jack during his visit to Malaysia, although at it wasn’t commercialized as an energy supplement compared to the present times.
Research on Tongkat Ali’s effects on athletic performance has shown its ability to increase muscle strength, indirectly improve VO2 max, and reduce fatigue from increased testosterone, blood flow and oxygen carrying capacity in the red blood cells – all critical factors for endurance sports.
The fact that it growing clinical studies on its effect on testosterone when paired with aerobic exercises have gained worldwide adoption by recreational athletes, making it a fast growing sports supplement for those seeking a burst of energy, suitable for daily needs and during intense training. The most notable effects are the faster muscle recovery during back-to-back trainings and those clocking 60-100 miles per week of running could benefit more as moderate dose of 400mg-600mg per day help to support testosterone at optimal levels without withdrawal symptoms when you are not using it.
Unlike synthetic stimulants from ultra-processed food (UPFs) contained in energy power gels, Tongkat Ali enhances the body’s natural energy metabolism at the cellular function, optimally ensuring tissues or organs are producing the hormones that the body needs, making it an ideal supplement for long-distance runners looking to sustain optimal performance without the drawbacks of sugar-loaded gels.
Additionally, a 2022 study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who supplemented with Tongkat Ali experienced improved testosterone levels, reduced cortisol, and better muscle recovery, all of which contribute to sustained endurance and performance.
Moreover, another clinical trial conducted on endurance athletes reported a significant improvement in anaerobic performance and lower legs strength, indicating that Tongkat Ali supports both long-distance and high-intensity performance for runners. This research solidifies Tongkat Ali’s growing reputation as a scientifically backed natural supplement for endurance sports.
More so when these are taken as single ingredient using standardized extract that guarantees higher bioavailability of eurycomanone, eurypeptides, glycosaponin, calcium, potassium, magnesium and other natural minerals.
CEO of AKARALI, Shahid, highlights why runners worldwide are making the switch: “Runners today are looking for sustainable, natural ways to fuel their bodies. AKARALI offers a scientifically backed solution that enhances endurance, recovery, and strength – without the sugar spikes and crashes associated with conventional energy gels.”
Leading sports nutritionists and coaches are also recognizing Tongkat Ali benefits for endurance athletes. Dr. Andrew Watson, a performance nutritionist specializing in endurance sports, explains why Tongkat Ali is a superior alternative.
“One of the major challenges with traditional energy sources is the quick depletion of glucose, causing energy crashes. Tongkat Ali’s bioactive compounds help maintain hormonal balance, optimize metabolism, and promote sustained energy release, which is crucial for long-duration performance.”
Professional triathlete Michael Chen from Australia shared his experience incorporating AKARALI into his training.
“I’ve been competing in Ironman events for the past five years, and the biggest challenge is managing energy levels for such long races. Since switching to AKARALI, I feel more resilient during long rides and runs. The reduction in muscle fatigue has been noticeable, and I no longer experience the mid-race dips I used to.”
With more natural remedies are grabbing the attention of sports communities and athletes, AKARALI is leading the Tongkat Ali supplement market in the US, UK for runners who seek for clinically proven ingredient. Who would have thought this could be a game-changer in the world of sports supplement?
Well I thought it didn’t, not until I have tried it myself. And there are other runners who took Tongkat Ali for the first time who reported life changing performance. At least we now know it takes between 12 weeks and 16 weeks for measurable improvements in pace, heart rate or even V02max if you are religious in taking Tongkat Ali daily.
The best is to try it once with 2 capsules (i.e 400mg) and run for the first 10km as fast as you could. If it works, then by the end of the 10th km you should immediately notice that you could go for another 2km without feeling knocked out.
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.
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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.
