GU Energy Labs Releases New Energy Gel Flavor Benefitting Rising Hearts’ Running on Native Lands Initiative

March 1, 2023

BERKELEY, Calif. /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – GU Energy Labs is excited to announce its latest Energy Gel flavor to be released under its philanthropic GU Gives program. Proceeds from the sale of the new Raspberry Lemonade Energy Gel, available March 1, will support the Indigenous advocacy organization Rising Hearts and its Running on Native Lands initiative. Special edition 8-count boxes of the new flavor feature the art of Indigenous runner and muralist Yatika Starr Fields (Osage, Muscogee, Cherokee).

Not only will GU donate 10% of Raspberry Lemonade Energy Gel sales to Rising Hearts, but the brand is also working in close kinship with the organization to bring awareness to all athletes and race directors of GU-sponsored events that the lands we recreate on are borrowed. Rising Hearts works to bring historically underrepresented communities together, while holding space for Indigenous voices to lead the conversations.

“We talk a lot about protecting the places we play, and now it’s time to take a step back to think about ‘What are these places that we’re recreating on?’” says Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose at GU Energy Labs. “Rising Hearts promotes the idea of ‘running with the land’ and ‘being a good relative’ in order to build a deeper connection with the land and the Indigenous caretakers of the lands, and to ensure a better future not just for the next generation, but for the planet.”

Jordan Whetstone, founder and organizer of Rising Hearts, adds: “Our main goal is to build and foster meaningful and sustainable relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. The kinship building with GU Energy Labs is a shining example of what it means to collaboratively work together, learn from each other and hold space for each other.”

Like all GU Energy Gels, the new Raspberry Lemonade flavor is formulated with dual-pathway carbohydrates for instant and sustained energy; sodium to aid in hydration; and amino acids to protect working muscles. Based on early customer taste tests, GU anticipates this caffeine-free flavor to be one of its most popular. Find the new flavor – and special edition 8-count boxes featuring Yatika Starr Fields’ original art – at your favorite local retailer or online at guenergy.com.

About GU Energy Labs

GU Energy Labs strives to help athletes to reach their highest potential with products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Since its founding in 1993, GU has been committed to increasing access to sport for all. To that end, GU Gives – the company’s philanthropic arm that focuses on uplifting underserved and underrepresented communities – supports organizations and initiatives centered around 3 pillars: physical movement, environmental stewardship, and food awareness. Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, GU Energy Labs produces all of its Energy Gels onsite, largely through sustainable solar power. Learn more at www.guenergy.com.

About Rising Hearts

Rising Hearts is an Indigenous led grassroots organization committed to the heart work in elevating Indigenous voices, promoting, and supporting intersectional collaborative efforts across all forms of movements in cultivating community with the goals of racial, social, climate and economic justice. Our primary focuses are to inform, elevate, mobilize, and organize through movement, strategic and targeted advocacy and programming, establishing collaborative kinships to help create a better, safer future, and environment for all relatives who inhabit this planet – past, present, and future. Learn more at www.risinghearts.org.