Athletes and coaches often underestimate the importance of a well-functioning gastrointestinal (GI) tract for optimal sports performance. The availability and delivery of exogenous fluid and fuel sources can determine the outcome of an athlete performance particularly during prolonged exercise. If the athletes’ GI tract is not in working order and is causing adverse symptoms, this can be detrimental to their performance. There are many reasons why the GI tract does not function optimally and causes adverse symptoms such as bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting. These reasons need to be identified and managed during training so as not to cause adverse effects during competition. This presentation aims to highlight the role of the gut during exercise and how to train the gut for optimal performance, identify exercise induced GI symptoms and provide practical tips to overcome these.