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As an active person, staying hydrated is one of your top priorities. Cleaning your water bottle should be high up on your to-do list, too, but for many of us—let’s be honest—it’s not.

This makes for a humbling (and gross) reality check when you go for a drink, glance down at your mouthpiece, and are forced to reckon with a film of mystery gunk that has collected there since the last time you washed it.

Due to busy schedules, forgetfulness, and a lack of extra tumblers, water bottles get nasty quickly. Although we love the sustainable choice of reusing one, that commitment requires some care-taking to avoid illness and maintain good water-bottle hygiene.

Below, experts dig into the dirty details and share their tips for keeping your water bottle safe and sanitary, no matter how many sweaty hikes or shared sips it endures.

What Types of Bacteria Are Lurking in Your Reusable Water Bottle?

According to the Water Quality Association, a not-for-profit organization in the water treatment industry, all drinking water contains microbes or heterotrophic microorganisms, a catch-all term for types of bacteria, mold, or yeast.

A September 2024 survey that swabbed water bottles found that the most common bacteria in reusable bottles were associated with antibiotic-resistant, hospital-acquired infections like pneumonia and meningitis (which can be fatal), and food poisoning, which comes with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.

The survey also concluded that Americans’ reusable water bottles, on average, contain 20.8 million CFUs of bacteria—about 40,000 times more than you’d typically find on a household toilet seat.

Exactly what type of invaders your water bottle collects depends on if it has a screw top with nooks and crannies for germs to stow away in, whether or not you share your bottle with others, or if you use it for anything other than water, like coffee or sports

Sugary beverages, in particular, leave behind nutrients for bacteria to feed on and multiply.

Drinking from a Dirty Bottle Can Make You Sick

If you don’t clean your water bottle properly, all kinds of bacteria can start to grow. Ingesting water from an unclean bottle can result in gastrointestinal or respiratory issues, says Qinchun Rao, a professor of Food and Nutrition at Florida State University.

How to Tell When Your Water Bottle Is Dirty

Acceptable levels of heterotrophic organisms, also known as heterotrophic plate counts (HPC), vary by country. The Environmental Protection Agency’s HPC standard for any given drinking water sample is less than or equal to 500 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL).

When your water surpasses that threshold, and/or other bacteria strains are introduced to the mix—like when a water bottle goes uncleaned after a workout—water safety is called into question.

You won’t always be able to tell how dirty your water bottle is. That’s a big reason cleaning them falls by the wayside: they “look” clean.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, more noticeable signs of contamination are visible mold spots, an unpleasant smell, cloudy water, or an off-putting taste.

Instead of waiting for it to show signs of grime, just get into the practice of cleaning it daily at a minimum.

However, if you fall behind and skip a few days, remain on the lookout for a tell-tale layer of dark slime known as a biofilm. It’s something that you will likely have to remove your lid and peek inside to notice, especially if it’s only

How to Clean Your Water Bottle

“Treat your water bottle like a utensil,” says Mitzi Baum, the CEO of Stop Foodborne Illness. If it’s dishwasher safe, she strongly recommends running it through a wash cycle.

Below are some more expert tips for water bottle washing.

Clean Your Water Bottle After You Purchase It

When you’ve bought your ideal water bottle, don’t race to use it. Baum says it’s important to clean and sanitize it with hot water before your lips ever touch it—because who knows how dirty its journey to the store was.

Wash Your Water Bottle Daily, and Do a Good Job

Rao recommends washing the bottle with warm, soapy water, especially if you use it frequently or for beverages other than water. (Reader: just rinsing the bottle under some running water doesn’t qualify as cleaning it.)

Clean Your Reusable Straw with a Small, Long Brush

Flushing the narrow spout with water won’t cut it. This is especially the case if your straw is plastic because, as Wu notes about plastic water bottles, they are most easily scratched and, therefore, more likely to harbor bacteria.

Regardless of material, straws are small and compact, making them the perfect hiding

If You Have a Water Bladder, Give It a Similar Treatment

Your hiking water reservoir can be treated like a giant water bottle. Soak it in hot, soapy water or use a cleaning tab, like the Bottle Bright Cleaning Tablets, scrub the inside (including the narrow drinking hose, which will require a slim, straw-cleaning brush), drain it, and rinse it well before refilling for the next adventure. During the soak stage, make sure to also fill the hose with cleaning solution.

Narrow-Neck Bottles Require Attention to Detail

Professor Wu points out that bottles with narrow necks make thorough cleaning difficult. Cleaning one efficiently might take a slender bottle-cleaning brush or, more simply, a soft sponge that’s easy to manipulate around its curves without missing any spots.

Don’t Forget to Wash the Outside

“People often carry their water bottle throughout the day and rest it on various surfaces,” says Dr. Mieses Malchuk, a board-certified family physician in North Carolina, like, for example, in a sweaty duffel or on a musty tree trunk. For that reason, cleaning the outside of your bottle with the same soapy water method matters.

The easiest way to keep your water bottle clean

Ethiopia’s Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu delivered one of the most remarkable women’s half-marathon performances ever seen on American soil on Sunday, powering to a commanding victory at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon in Argentina in 1:03:57.

Running with exceptional confidence and strength, Tesfay took control of the race and produced a superb solo performance to rewrite the event record. Her breathtaking run also carried historic significance, as she became the first woman to break the 64-minute barrier for the half marathon in the Americas, producing what is being celebrated as the fastest women’s half-marathon performance ever recorded on the continent.

The Ethiopian star was in a class of her own, crossing the finish line more than a minute clear of Turkey’s Nevin Can, who finished second in 1:05:06. Another Turkish athlete, Selin Can, completed the podium in third place with 1:05:11, as the leading trio all produced strong performances on the fast streets of Buenos Aires.

Kenya also featured prominently in the top positions, with Irene Jepchumba Kimais taking fourth in 1:06:04, followed by Sheila Chepkirui in fifth with 1:06:13. Magaret Akidor Ngathike finished sixth in 1:06:46, while fellow Kenyan Deborah Samum claimed seventh place in 1:08:32.

Brazil’s Nubia de Oliveira Silva was eighth in 1:11:13, while Argentina’s Sofia Luna and Dahyana Juarez rounded out the top 10 with times of 1:11:21 and 1:11:28, respectively.

Top 10 Women – 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon

1. Fotyеn Tesfay Haylu (Ethiopia) – 1:03:57

2. Nevin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:06

3. Selin Can (Turkey) – 1:05:11

4. Irene Jepchumba Kimais (Kenya) – 1:06:04

5. Sheila Chepkirui (Kenya) – 1:06:13

6. Magaret Akidor Ngathike (Kenya) – 1:06:46

7. Deborah Samum (Kenya) – 1:08:32

8. Nubia de Oliveira Silva (Brazil) – 1:11:13

9. Sofia Luna (Argentina) – 1:11:21

10. Dahyana Juarez (Argentina) – 1:11:28

For Tesfay, it was far more than a race victory. Her 1:03:57 performance was a statement of extraordinary quality, combining speed, endurance and remarkable solo running to produce a landmark result in Buenos Aires. In a race that will be remembered for years to come, the Ethiopian did not simply win—she redefined what was thought possible for women’s half-marathon running in the Americas.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha produced one of the most extraordinary performances in road racing history on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, reclaiming the half marathon world record with a sensational 56:51 performance at the 2026 Buenos Aires Half Marathon.

The former world record-holder delivered a breathtaking exhibition of speed and endurance to take 29 seconds off the previous pending mark of 57:20, set by Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo and takes a huge chunk from his own former official world record. Kejelcha's new performance is pending the standard ratification procedures, but if officially ratified, it will return the world record to the Ethiopian star and mark another remarkable chapter in the evolution of the event. 

Kejelcha's achievement is particularly significant because the 57-minute barrier had already been broken before. Jacob Kiplimo had previously run under 57 minutes, clocking 56:42 that was not ratified demonstrating that the once-unthinkable barrier was possible. Kejelcha, however, has become the second man to run under 57-minute barrier who now returns to the top of the all-time rankings with another historic performance in Buenos Aires.

The Ethiopian's race was remarkable not only for the final time but also for the way he built his performance. He covered the opening five kilometres in 13:44 before reaching 10km in 27:18. Rather than slowing, Kejelcha accelerated through the middle stages, passing 15km in 40:39 and 20km in 54:02 as he continued to push the limits of elite road racing.

By the time he reached the finish line, Kejelcha had completed the race at an extraordinary average pace of approximately 2:42 per kilometre, producing one of the most astonishing sustained efforts ever witnessed in distance running. His stunning run sent a powerful message to the athletics world and further strengthened his status as one of the most formidable distance runners of his generation.

Behind the record-breaking champion, Ethiopia completed a dominant clean sweep of the men's podium. Tadese Worku Gebresilase claimed second place in 59:18, while Bereket Nega Batebo secured third in 1:00:17, giving Ethiopia a memorable one-two-three finish in the Argentine capital.

Kenya’s Jonathan Kipkoech Kamosong finished fourth in 1:00:20, followed by compatriot Simon Maywa in fifth with 1:00:55. Argentina’s Ignacio Erario gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate with an impressive sixth-place finish in 1:00:57, breaking the one-hour barrier in front of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Dillon Kipyeko of Kenya finished seventh in 1:01:07, with Robert Kiprop Koech eighth in 1:02:01. Mexico’s Julio Ortiz Ponce took ninth place in 1:03:17, while Colombia’s Jimmy Gómez completed the top 10 in 1:03:34.

The Buenos Aires Half Marathon will now take its place in the history books as the scene of a truly extraordinary breakthrough. For Kejelcha, this was more than just another victory. It was a spectacular return to the top, reclaiming a world record he had previously held and once again rewriting the limits of the half marathon.

The 56:51 performance remains pending ratification, but Yomif Kejelcha's run has already delivered one of the defining moments in the history of road racing.

Kenya delivered another commanding display of distance-running excellence at the Antrim Coast Half Marathon, with Isaia Lasoi leading a memorable Kenyan clean sweep of the men's podium in a race packed with world-class performances.

Lasoi emerged victorious after a thrilling battle at the front, crossing the finish line in a superb 58:26 setting a new course record. His winning performance underlined his strength and speed over the half-marathon distance, but he was made to work all the way by fellow Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, who finished just three seconds behind in 58:29 after an electrifying duel for the title.

The contest between the two leaders produced one of the standout moments of the race, with both athletes pushing deep into elite territory as they fought for victory. In the end, Lasoi found just enough to secure the win, while Mateiko's narrow defeat highlighted the remarkable depth and quality of Kenya's leading distance runners.

Vincent Kipkorir completed the Kenyan sweep, taking third place in 1:00:38 to ensure that all three places on the podium belonged to Kenyan athletes. Samwel Chebolei added further Kenyan strength to the results, finishing fourth in 1:01:01, while Amos Langat was also among the leading finishers.

The international field featured several prominent names. Australia's Jimmy Whelan produced a strong run, while Ethiopia's Yismaw Dillu featured among the front group. American marathon star Galen Rupp also delivered a notable performance, clocking 1:01:29 in another competitive outing for the experienced distance runner. Former world-class track and road athlete Edward Cheserek was also among the top finishers.

Lasoi's 58:26 victory, however, was the defining performance of the day. Together with Mateiko and Kipkorir, he gave Kenya a perfect podium and another emphatic reminder of the country's extraordinary strength in elite road running.

The Antrim Coast Half Marathon once again provided a fast, competitive stage for some of the world's finest distance runners, but when the decisive moments arrived, it was Kenya that owned the podium.

One of the most iconic milestones in the history of ultramarathon running is drawing closer, with entries for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon set to open on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

The Comrades Marathon Association has officially announced a detailed entry process for the 2027 race, which will unfold in three stages and give runners around the world the opportunity to secure their place in what promises to be one of the most significant editions ever held of The Ultimate Human Race.

The announcement followed the official launch of the 2027 Comrades Marathon on Wednesday, 19 August, when the centenary campaign, “The Greatest Story Ever Run,” was unveiled alongside a special logo created exclusively for the landmark 100th edition.

The launch also revealed several major highlights for the Centenary Race. The historic event will take place on Sunday, 13 June 2027, and will be a Down Run, with 28,000 places available. The entry process will include a ballot, while the race will offer a record R8.919 million in prize money. Organisers have also set an ambitious goal of raising R10 million for the Amabeadibeadi charities, adding an important charitable dimension to the centenary celebrations. One of the defining moments of the launch was the unveiling of the special Centenary mark, created to commemorate this extraordinary milestone in the history of the race.

The entry process begins on 25 August at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Green Number runners, Yellow Number runners and Amabeadibeadi charity entrants.

The next phase follows on 2 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, when entries open for Comrades Marathon Association members. This window will remain open for 72 hours or until the available entry allocation is filled, with places offered on a strictly first-come, first-served basis.

For general entrants, the process will move to a ballot system. General entries open on 9 September at 10:00 a.m. SAST, with runners able to enter the ballot until it closes on 22 September at 4:30 p.m. SAST. The ballot draw is then scheduled to take place on 23 September.

Several other crucial dates will shape the road to the historic race. The substitution period will run from 15 to 31 March 2027, while 3 May 2027 is the final deadline for runners to submit their qualifying performances, seeding information and other required entry details.

To qualify for the 2027 Comrades Marathon, runners must complete a 42.2km marathon in under five hours between 15 June 2026 and 3 May 2027.

The journey will finally culminate on Sunday, 13 June 2027, when thousands of runners are expected to line up for the historic 100th edition of the Comrades Marathon.

The 2027 race will represent a remarkable moment for the legendary South African ultramarathon. For more than a century, the Comrades Marathon has captured the imagination of runners and spectators with its extraordinary test of endurance, determination and human spirit. Its centenary edition will celebrate the generations of athletes who have faced its demanding roads, conquered its challenges and helped build one of the world's most respected endurance events.

For runners dreaming of becoming part of this historic occasion, the road to Comrades 2027 is now clearly marked. From the opening of entries in August 2026 to race day in June 2027, every deadline will matter.

The Greatest Story Ever Run is preparing for its most historic chapter yet.

American sprint standout Sam Blaskowski is taking steps toward an international future with Poland after uncovering a powerful connection to his family's ancestral homeland.

The 23-year-old sprinter, who has established himself as one of the fastest Americans of his generation with a personal best of 9.89 seconds in the 100 metres, has begun the process of obtaining Polish citizenship with the aim of eventually representing Poland in international competition.

Blaskowski's connection to the country traces back through his great-grandparents, Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski, who emigrated from Poland to the United States in 1905. Their journey more than a century ago has now opened an unexpected new chapter for their descendant, whose athletic ambitions could soon carry the Błaszkowski name back onto the international stage under Polish colours.

The sprinter has already received support from the Polish Athletics Association as he works through the citizenship and eligibility process. Should his transfer of allegiance be completed, Blaskowski could become a significant addition to Poland's sprint programme.

His credentials certainly make the prospect an exciting one. In addition to his sub-10-second speed over 100 metres, Blaskowski owns a personal best of 19.93 seconds in the 200 metres, demonstrating the kind of versatility that could prove valuable both individually and in Poland's 4x100m relay squad.

For Blaskowski, however, the move is about more than simply changing national colours. It represents an opportunity to reconnect with his family's heritage while pursuing his ambitions at the highest level of the sport.

With his sights set on becoming part of Poland's international sprint team and competing for relay medals, Blaskowski's journey from discovering his Polish roots to potentially representing the country of his ancestors could become one of the most fascinating allegiance stories in world athletics.

A century after Franciszek and Julian Błaszkowski left Poland for America, their family's story may now be coming full circle—this time at full sprint.