How Bone Broth Powers Athletic Performance and Recovery

It might surprise some to find out that athletes don't fuel their performance with Gatorade, protein bars, and those funky goo gel packs. Instead, many are turning to a different source: bone broth.

Bone broth is quickly becoming a staple for ultrarunners, Olympians, professional athletes and even the casual runners. Why? Because it’s packed with nutrients that help fuel their intense workouts, long races, and crucial recovery times. Since Denver Bone Broth will be at Boulderthon 2024, serving hot cups of bone broth, we have decided to tackle the question: What makes bone broth such a game-changer for athletes? The short answer is:

• Electrolytes to keep you hydrated
• Amino acids and protein to rebuild muscles
• Collagen to support joint health and mobility

Athletes like ultra runners Kellie and Will swear by it and make it a part of their routine (Ultra running involves a wide range of races that are longer than 26.2 mile marathons). We interviewed them to learn more about the role that bone broth plays in their athletic lifestyle.

Why Do Athletes Drink Bone Broth?

When you're deep into a long race, your energy starts to dip, muscles begin to ache, and fatigue sets in. That’s where bone broth can be a lifesaver—not just for recovery afterward, but as a pre- and mid-race fuel boost.

According to Kellie, “Mid-race, bone broth makes me feel alive again. You could go from completely depleted and feeling literally dead inside, and then sitting there and just having a warm broth. I’ll feel like a whole new person.”

Why bone broth works:

• Electrolytes: Helps replenish lost fluids and keep you hydrated.
• Amino acids & protein: Gives your muscles what they need to keep going strong.
• Collagen: Supports your joints, so your body stays mobile, even when it’s under pressure.
• Comforting warmth: It's not just physical fuel—bone broth has a psychological boost too.

By drinking bone broth before or during a race, athletes can stay ahead of fatigue, keeping both their body and mind in the game. Will added to that, saying, “It's not only do I feel rejuvenated during the workout, but also having that ability to have a whole food, limited processed item in my toolbox for fueling has been amazing." Beyond just fuel it’s a clean, comforting source of energy that powers you through the toughest moments.

From @kelliewt2 on Instagram

The Role of Bone Broth in Muscle Recovery

After a tough workout or race, recovery is just as important as the effort you put in. Bone broth helps athletes bounce back faster and stronger. 

For Will, the benefits of bone broth during recovery are clear. “Having that broth helps alleviate some of that cramping, gets you back to a level where your mobility is better, and gives you that extra oomph and mental boost.” Bone broth is packed with nutrients that speed up recovery, helping muscles repair and reducing soreness after intense exercise.

The warmth of bone broth also delivers a soothing comfort that nothing else does post-race. It’s not a quick, artificial fix like caffeine—it’s nourishing from the inside out, helping both mind and body come back to life after being pushed to the limit.

Olympic Athletes Also Drink Bone Broth

Olympic athletes like CJ Allen and Jamie Anderson incorporate bone broth into their daily routines, not just for the taste, but for the functional benefits that help them excel at the highest levels of their sport.

For CJ Allen, bone broth is a part of his post-training routine. He takes it seriously, making big batches of broth with 10 pounds of marrow bones, celery, sweet onions, and other ingredients. After hours of training, bone broth helps him replenish essential nutrients and get ready for his next challenge. (Source: NY Times)

On the slopes, Jamie Anderson, the first female snowboarder to win two Olympic golds, swears by bone broth to keep her strong and healthy. With a training routine that demands a healthy diet, she calls bone broth her secret weapon. Competing in cold conditions puts her body at risk for colds, infections, and muscle strains. To stay strong and prepared, she turns to chicken bone broth which she says is her go-to flavor. (Source: Business Insider)

For these athletes, bone broth is more than a trend—it's a key ingredient in their routines that helps them stay strong, focused, and ready for the next challenge.

Bone Broth Makes a Difference for All Athletes

Bone broth isn’t just for Olympic athletes or ultrarunners—it’s a clean, nourishing fuel for athletes of all levels. Whether you're hitting the trails, training for a race, or just looking for a natural way to support your energy and recovery, bone broth can make a difference.

Will had this to say to any athletes considering bone broth, “You could certainly replace any of your hydration drinks and just give it a shot. You'd be pleasantly surprised.” Kellie pointed out that many athletes are aware of bone broth already, “But what I try to tell people is, have you tried quality bone broth? Like, actually good ingredients, well made bone broth like Denver Bone Broth?” Click here to order Denver Bone Broth online.

If you’re running Boulderthon 2024, be sure to visit Denver Bone Broth at the expo from 9/27–9/29. If you want to sign up, click this link and use the code DBB20 to get 20% off any race.