Canadian Creations

Endurance Tap

When it comes to fuel, t here are countless energy gels, powders and bars to choose. So why would anyone create a business in this crowded space? After experiencing their own share of digestive problems, two Toronto runners and highschool friends, Matt Smith and Pat Stark, knew that to maintain their passion for endurance sports, nutrition is key.

“Unable to find anything, we started playing with different ingredients,” says Smith. “Coming from the land of maple syrup, we thought it would be a great fuel. That was the spark that worked best from a taste and performance perspect ive.” In 2014, with three simple ingredients – maple syrup, ginger blend and salt – the solution to their digestive worries was a water-soluble gel they called Endurance Tap.

What drives you?

“Whatever we do in life, whether it’s being endurance athletes or in business, we’re always trying to improve and do better,” says Stark.

Best advice?

“Just go for it. It’s like running a marathon: keep one foot ahead of the other and keep going,” says Smith.

Has running always been your passion?

“We both came to it later in life,” says Stark. Smith adds, “Funny enough, Stark lent me the book Born to Run, and I’d say that, combined with coming across a trail running magazine with some incredible visuals, captured my interest.”

What does success look like?

“Building something you’re really proud of with people you respect and trust,” says Smith. “And doing what you want to do in life and being happy doing it,” injects Stark.

Would you recommend someone to follow their passion into a career?

“Maybe – once it becomes work, it can become less of a passion,” says Stark.

Describe Endurance Tap in 140 characters or less.

“Unapologetically Canadian. Endurance Tap is on a mission to provide endurance athletes with a natural, great-tasting fuelling solution.”

Running goals?

“I still have a 100-miler on my list, I’m also into triathlons, and I’m training for an Ironman,” says Smith. As for Stark, “I’m looking to run an ultramarathon in the Black Rock desert in Nevada.”

What’s behind the name?

“It’s a play on words,” says Smith. “But it’s also about the idea that you can turn on the endurance when you need it and once you’re done, you can close the cap to turn it off.”

How would you describe the taste?

“Tasty,” say Stark and Smith. “The eyes say ever yt hing. We’ve literally had people say that it’s changed their lives.”