During a competition lasting less than 1 hour, how often should athletes drink water or a sports drink?

During a competition lasting less than 1 hour, how often should athletes drink water or a sports drink?

• A. Every 15 minutes
• B. Every 30 minutes
• C. Every 60 minutes
• D. Every 2 hours

Answer: (A)

Maintaining hydration during a competition that lasts less than an hour is best done with regular, small fluid intakes rather than waiting longer between drinks. Drinking water or a sports drink every 15 minutes helps replace fluid losses as they occur, keeping plasma volume stable, supporting thermoregulation, and preventing dehydration that can impair performance. A practical target is about 150–250 mL per interval, which typically adds up to roughly 600–1000 mL per hour if the event lasts the full hour. Larger gaps between drinks (every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or every 2 hours) can allow dehydration to accumulate and may also overload the stomach when you finally drink, making performance harder.

Maintaining hydration during a competition that lasts less than an hour is best done with regular, small fluid intakes rather than waiting longer between drinks. Drinking water or a sports drink every 15 minutes helps replace fluid losses as they occur, keeping plasma volume stable, supporting thermoregulation, and preventing dehydration that can impair performance. A practical target is about 150–250 mL per interval, which typically adds up to roughly 600–1000 mL per hour if the event lasts the full hour. Larger gaps between drinks (every 30 minutes, every 60 minutes, or every 2 hours) can allow dehydration to accumulate and may also overload the stomach when you finally drink, making performance harder.