Inside the Race-Day Plans of Keira D’Amato, Emma Bates & Adam Wood

This weekend, three UCAN-powered professional athletes will take on two of the biggest races of the fall marathon season. Keira D’Amato and Emma Bates are set to line up at the Valencia Marathon, while Adam Wood will toe the line at the California International Marathon (CIM)—and all three will be relying on UCAN to fuel their best performances.

For elite athletes, race-day fueling isn’t optional. It’s a performance-defining strategy. Because pros run at such a high intensity for the entire 26.2 miles, they typically fuel more frequently than recreational runners and need energy sources that deliver steady power without digestive distress.

That’s why UCAN has become a staple for so many of the top marathoners in the country: its slow-release carbohydrate provides long-lasting energy that’s gentle on the stomach, even when taken at high volumes.

Below, we break down the exact fueling plans that Keira, Emma, and Adam are using for their big races—and what everyday runners can learn from them.

Keira D’Amato: Keep It Fun, Keep It Steady (Valencia Marathon)

Keira mixes structure with a bit of race-day spontaneity—something that helps her stay relaxed and energized during one of the world’s fastest marathons.

Pre-Race:

1–2 scoops of Cran-Raz UCAN Energy Drink Mix

During the Race:

One UCAN energy gel every 10K
Stashes an assortment of flavors in her sports bra and surprises herself at each interval with whatever she grabs

Her plan keeps her fueling consistent, but the element of fun helps break up the race mentally—a strategy she uses intentionally on tough 26.2-mile efforts.

Emma Bates: Steady, Strong, and Caffeinated (Valencia Marathon)

Emma likes to keep things simple and reliable, especially on major race days where fueling mistakes can derail even the best fitness.

Pre-Race:

Mocha UCAN energy gel for a caffeinated jumpstart

During the Race:

Orange Mango or Pineapple UCAN gels every 5K

Emma’s consistent 5K timing ensures a steady energy drip that matches her aggressive racing style—especially on a fast course like Valencia.

Adam Wood: A Precision Plan for High-Intensity Racing (CIM)

Adam Wood relies on UCAN for a consistent, easy-on-the-stomach energy supply from his warm-up through every 5K of the marathon.

Pre-Race:

2–3 scoops of Orange UCAN Energy Drink Mix in the morning

During the Race:

One UCAN gel every 5K
Alternates Mixed Berry + Caffeine and Pineapple flavors through the first half
Switches to Strawberry Banana in the second half for a fresh flavor boost late in the race

This structured, high-frequency plan gives Adam the steady energy he needs to stay locked into marathon pace from the gun to the finish line.

Why Pros Use UCAN More Frequently Than Recreational Runners

Because elite athletes run at such a high percentage of their max effort, they burn through energy faster and fuel more frequently, typically every 15–30 minutes.

Recreational runners, who race at lower intensities, commonly take UCAN every 45–75 minutes and still benefit from steady, crash-free energy.

UCAN makes this flexibility possible because it digests so easily no matter the volume or frequency. Whether you’re running a 2:10 marathon or a 5-hour marathon, you can tailor your fueling schedule to your pace without worrying about GI issues.

The Takeaway: UCAN Works for Every Runner

Keira, Emma, and Adam each have different strategies, pacing goals, and flavor preferences, but UCAN is the common thread that keeps their energy levels stable from the start line to the finish.

No matter your running level, UCAN’s slow-release carbohydrate lets you fuel your way, whether that’s every 20 minutes or every hour without the spikes, crashes, or stomach problems that come with sugar-based gels.

As these three UCAN pros gear up for Valencia and CIM this weekend, their fueling plans offer a simple lesson: when your energy source is steady, reliable, and easy to digest, you’re free to focus on running your best race.