I agree with Derek (as usual) ...unless it's really, really, really HOT!

If you really must carry a drink in a race (as I did at the start of the Humber Bridge HM), put it in an ordinary bottle (like you'd buy water in) - they're light and you won't mind ditching it.

Well done Claire, as you have probably realized the only time to carry water is when you really need to i.e. long runs in double figures and as a new runner I make the assumption it's a bit of a comfort blanket.

I don't carry water when racing either as if it's 10k and over there are usually water stations (except for cross country) and any race under that again it's so short it's not required.

I have been running with water when i run 5miles which takes me about 1 hour. Reading everyones comments I decided to try without. I am a definate convert! I always found carry water uncomfortable but am new to running and didn't think I could do it without the water. The water will be staying at home infuture

Thanks

I always drink a pint of water after any run I do (anything up to 4 miles).

I never feel dehydrated so I guess it works for me. :-)

I happily run 5k and 10k races with no drink and run up to 10 miles with no drink but do drink plenty the day before and when I get back. I can't run with those bottles that you hold as they make me feel uneven and I don't like having to grip something.  I have a belt that holds bottles and has a zip pocket which is handy for a phone, car keys and my new favourite shot bloks.  I am marathon training and ran with just 2 small bottles in my belt for an 18 miler today which took me 3 hours.  Drank lots when I finished.

I've tried every container and contraption to carry and dispense water on the market just to see if liquids can be carried without hinderance mainly for when I run over 12 miles. Bottles are ok but tend to get in the way and I don't like carrying them so on goes a bottle belt which I'm not too comfortable with.

The small containers that have elesticated straps and go round your wrists are a pain to sup out of as you cannot squeeze them, also after a bit the straps wear and rub on your wrists.

The camelback type bag that I can insert into my Salomon back pack leaks from the filler cap and again it's a pain to wash out, also I don't want to wear a rucksack every time I do a long run.

So I haven't a real answer as I'm still searching for the ideal solution (which doesn't count the stashing bottles in hedge idea before someone asks, as I see lots of bottles in hedges and I don't know what's in them..and don't intend to find out).

I think you'll need to experiment a bit to see what suits you because we're all different.  I run half marathon distance without taking water except if its really hot and then I prefer to drink vodka and tonic in the garden with lots of ice and a slice of fresh lime rather than going for a run.  Carrying a bottle is a pain as water because once you've drunk some of it it start sloshing about and distracting you.

Agree that for under an hour / 10K carrying a drink is just a pain. For longer distances I use a waist-strap drinks holder (also takes my mobile phone) which is a lot better than carrying it in my hand, which I completely hate.

And yes - very important to be well-hydrated before you go out.

I'm also a newbie who has been running with a bottle of water which I tend to fill with squash ... I don't find I need it so much for hydration due to the running, but more from dust out on the dry roads (although I also run first thing in the morning which probably makes a difference). I very rarely get through much of the bottle, but find it quite comforting to have with me ... 

I second what the others have said.

For 5k there is n't time!

For 10k you should be able to manage without if you have had enough fluids on the previous day and in the two hours before the race

For a HM you might need a drink at 10k (or 8k and 14k) - otherwise, see 10k above.

Marathon - you will need to drink!

P.S if it is hot (over 20c you may need to adjust the above)