From 400m to 50km: The Universal Power of BICARRB

Whether you are an explosive 400m sprinter or a high-mileage ultra-marathoner, recent results show just how effective bicarbonate can be. Whether it is battling acidosis down the home straight or fighting fatigue in an ultra-marathon, elite athletes are turning to bicarb for their competitive edge.

This past weekend, this was evidenced by a new National 400m Record and a European 50km Record

The Sprint: Lex Revell-Lewis Sets the New Zealand 400m Record

The 400m is notoriously one of the most painful events in athletics. In the final 100 meters, the body is flooded with hydrogen ions (often referred to as the "lactic burn"), leading to that heavy, "concrete legs" sensation.

With the bicarb Factor, that burn can be delayed. BICARRB increases blood bicarbonate levels, which allowed Lex to significantly increase his blood’s buffering capacity. This helped him maintain his mechanics and power output in the final straight where most athletes "fade," propelling him to become the 5th fastest man in Oceania.

  • The Athlete: Lex Revell-Lewis

  • The Achievement: New Zealand 400m Record – 45.87 seconds

The Ultra: Alex Milne Becomes 50km World Champion

On the other end of the scale, ultra-endurance requires steady-state efficiency, but intensity spikes and la

te-race fatigue still create significant acid buildup. Secondary benefits also come into play here, such as maintaining hydration, which is where the high sodium content of bicarb can be a game-changer.

  • The Athlete: Alex Milne

  • The Achievement: 50km World Title & European Record (2:46:08)

How Bicarb Works for Every Runner

Sodium bicarbonate () works by increasing the pH of your blood, creating a "pulling" effect that draws acidic hydrogen ions out of the working muscle cells. This maintains the optimal environment for muscle contraction.

Feature Sprinting (400m - 800m) Ultra-Running (50km+)
Primary Goal Delaying the "Lactic Burn" Fatigue management & Hydration
Mechanism Buffering rapid acid accumulation Maintaining blood alkalinity over hours & supporting hydration
Secondary Benefit Quicker recovery for subsequent rounds Massive sodium hit for cramp prevention
Record Result 45.87s (NZ Record) 2:46:08 (European Record)

Overcoming the "Bicarb Gut"

Historically, runners avoided bicarb because of the gastrointestinal (GI) distress associated with raw powder. Our BICARRB technology uses a specially formulated gel that protects the active bicarb through the stomach, ensuring the supplement reaches the gut for absorption without the bloating or nausea that can ruin a race.

Whether you are chasing a 400m personal best or pushing through the "wall" of a ultramarathon, the results are clear: a buffered body is a faster body.

Ready to buffer your next PB? 

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