When I gear up for a long run or ultramarathon, what I use to fuel those miles matters just as much as my shoes. I’m not comparing protein vs carbs here, or whether drink-mix fuel is better than solid foods. What I am comparing is how Tailwind’s “Dauwaltermelon” stacks up against other endurance fuels I’ve used and why it’s become one of my go-to fuels, especially during big events like Run Rabbit Run.
What Is Dauwaltermelon?
- Created in collaboration with ultrarunner Courtney Dauwalter, this flavor blends watermelon with a touch of lime. It was first introduced as a limited edition, but due to popular demand, it’s now a permanent flavor in the Tailwind Endurance Fuel lineup.
- Tailwind promises a dextrose and sucrose mix to supply calories while avoiding gastrointestinal problems.
- Ingredients include dextrose, sucrose, sea salt, potassium chloride, magnesium oxide, among others. It’s non-GMO, vegan, dairy- and soy-free.
- Nutritional snapshot: ~100 calories per serving, roughly 310 mg sodium, 90 mg potassium, etc.
Where To Buy Tailwind
Tailwind is widely available both online and in retailer locations. You can find Tailwind on:
You can also find Tailwind in almost any biking, running, hiking, or outdoors store near you. It is one of the most popular endurace fuels on the market, so just about anywhere, you’ll find a retailer selling it, and another athlete who’d be willing to vouch for Tailwind.
Note: The links I used above are affiliate links, so if you do make a purchase after clicking those links, we will earn a small commission at no cost to you. This by no means effects our review of Tailwind, as I only promote products I truly endorse.
What I Loved
- Delicious, Light & Refreshing Taste — Watermelon + lime is a combo that works. It’s not cloying, doesn’t leave behind a weird aftertaste, and doesn’t get sickening even after many sips. Many other flavors and endurance fuels will start to hurt the tongue, or get old fast, this one stays good. It’s worth noting, that other Tailwind flavors are also great, and choosing the flavor that works best for you is recommended.
- Clean Energy Without Gut Problems — The carbs (glucose + sucrose) and electrolytes made it easy to digest. No upset stomach, no cramps. That’s a big deal in ultras.
- Reliable in High-Stakes Situations — I used it during the early miles of Run Rabbit Run. Dauwaltermelon kept me fueled and feeling good into the next stages. I also use it heavily on all of my long weekend adventures.
What Could Be Better
- Price Point — As with many clean-ingredient fuels, you pay for quality. It’s not budget, but worth it.
- Flavor Preference — While I enjoyed it, flavor is personal. Those who prefer sweeter, or sharper citrus may lean toward other flavors.
How It Compares to Other Fuels
| Feature | Dauwaltermelon | Other Brands (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Long term flavor | Great — remains pleasant after hours | Often feels overly sweet, or begins to become overbearing |
| Electrolyte blend + hydration | Well balanced (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) | Either too light on electrolytes or depends on supplements. Some are just as great |
| Digestibility | Gentle on stomach, no residue in hydration pack | Sometimes other endurance fuels can cause gastrointestinal discomfort |
| Versatility on distance (marathons → ultras) | Solid from start to long miles | Some fuels better for short runs than ultras |
Personal Experience: My Runs, My Results
I tested Dauwaltermelon across different scenarios:
- Long training runs (20-30+ miles)
- Early stretch of Run Rabbit Run 100
- Hot weather runs where hydration and flavor fatigue are risks
In all those conditions, it delivered. Early in the 100-mile race, this fuel gave me what I needed without stomach issues. On top of that, I used Tailwind for the entirety of my hydration the rest of the race. On hot runs, the light watermelon/lime flavor kept me motivated to sip often.
This is me, in the last couple miles of my 100 mile Run Rabbit Run race. I drank Tailwind 100% of the time, starting with Dauwaltermelon, and transitioning to other Tailwind flavors, and caffeinated Tailwind overnight.
Who This Fuel Is Best For
- Ultrarunners or long-distance trail runners who want a flavor that holds up for hours.
- People who dislike overly sweet or strong flavored fuel mixes.
- Athletes who want a sodium heavy flavor for hot days, or for those that are heavy sodium sweaters.
- Athletes who want clean ingredients (no dyes, no artificial flavors, no fillers).
- Anyone needing fuel that integrates with hydration systems without gunky residue.
Final Thoughts
Tailwind’s Dauwaltermelon is exactly the kind of endurance fuel I look for: tasty, clean, effective, and able to go the distance. If you’re choosing between fuel mixes, I’d pick this one without hesitation for its flavor, performance, and gut comfort. It’s not perfect for every palate, but for those who want something that tastes good all day and keeps you powered, it hits the mark.
Tailwind made something that fits the demands of ultramarathons, flavors I won’t mind sipping for hours, and enough electrolytes to back it up. Dauwaltermelon is one of the rare ones I’ll reach for again when the stakes are high.
Max DesMarais is the founder of myoutdoorbasecamp.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, completed multiple ultra marathons, including the 100 mile Run Rabbit Run, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
