The sun blazed overhead as hundreds of determined runners gathered at the starting line of the Ilkley Half Marathon in July 2025, and beForm Nutrition was right there with them – both as a proud sponsor and active participant in one of Yorkshire's most challenging summer running events.
Supporting the Running Community
As the official nutrition partner for the Ilkley Half Marathon, beForm Nutrition set up an impressive presence at the Runners Village, creating a hub where athletes and their supporters could discover, sample, and purchase our complete range of performance nutrition products.
Our team was on hand throughout the event, offering expert advice on fueling strategies and helping runners find the perfect products to support their training and racing goals.
The festival atmosphere was electric, with families and friends gathering to support their loved ones while exploring what the running community has to offer.
Our booth became a popular destination, with runners eager to try our scientifically-formulated energy gels, electrolyte drinks, and recovery supplements that have become trusted allies for endurance athletes across the country.
Leading by Example
Perhaps no one embodied the spirit of the event quite like beForm Nutrition founder Ben Bunting, who didn't just sponsor the race – he ran it.
Despite the sweltering July heat that pushed temperatures well above seasonal averages, Ben laced up his running shoes and took on the challenging 13.1-mile course through the picturesque Yorkshire Dales.
"There's no better way to understand what our customers need than to experience it firsthand," Ben reflected after crossing the finish line. "Running in that heat reminded me exactly why proper nutrition and hydration are so crucial for performance and safety. Every product we develop is tested not just in labs, but in real-world conditions like these."
The extreme temperatures made the 2025 Ilkley Half Marathon particularly demanding, with many runners struggling against the unforgiving sun.
It was a perfect demonstration of why quality sports nutrition matters, and why beForm Nutrition's heat-tested formulations proved their worth when it mattered most.
More Than Just Products
Our involvement in the Ilkley Half Marathon represents something deeper than traditional sponsorship.
It's about being embedded in the running community, understanding the real challenges athletes face, and continuously improving our products based on authentic experiences.
When our founder is out there sweating through the same conditions as our customers, it creates a level of product development authenticity that simply can't be replicated in boardrooms.
The feedback we received from runners at the festival was invaluable. From first-time half-marathoners to seasoned ultra-runners, athletes shared their experiences with our products and offered insights that will help shape future formulations.
This direct connection with the running community is what drives innovation at beForm Nutrition.
Looking Forward
The success of our partnership with the Ilkley Half Marathon reinforces our commitment to supporting grassroots running events across the UK.
These races form the backbone of the running community, bringing together athletes of all abilities in celebration of endurance, determination, and personal achievement.
As we continue to grow, partnerships like these remain at the heart of what we do.
They keep us connected to the real needs of real runners, ensuring that every product we develop serves a genuine purpose in helping athletes achieve their goals, whether that's crossing the finish line of their first 5K or setting a new personal best in scorching July heat.
For those who discovered beForm Nutrition at the Ilkley Half Marathon, welcome to the family. For our existing customers who braved that challenging course, we salute your determination and are proud to have been part of your journey.
Here's to many more miles together.
