Traditional aid stations rely on thousands of paper cups, large volunteer crews, and heavy tables. It’s simply how races have always operated. Cup-Free hydration changes that model.

Benefits include:
• Eliminate paper cup waste
• Reduce volunteers by up to 90%
• Reduce tables and equipment by up to 90%
• Faster cleanup after the race
• Stronger sustainability messaging
Many races are now looking for ways to operate more efficiently while reducing environmental impact. Cup-Free racing delivers both.

You will need to convert your existing hydration water source to WaterMonster tanks. Our self-serving manifold systems are designed to operate using gravity pressure, which ensures consistent high-flow dispensing for runners

WaterMonster tanks can be filled by:

• potable water trucks
• connected to local water source
• refilled during the event if needed

We help race directors calculate the correct number of tanks and manifolds for their course.

Depending on the distance and size of your race, we have calculations on how many WaterMonster tanks and Manifold kits you will need. Each manifold kit has 6 UltraSpout dispensers. Each UltraSpout can service (on average) 15 runners per minute, or 90 runners per manifold/per minute. You can add up to 7 manifolds per WaterMonster tank. This will manage 630 runners per minute! Each full stand-alone WaterMonster tank can hydrate 3,000 runners. You can add multiple WaterMonster tanks to increase your hydration capacity. We will help you calculate the correct layout based on:

• Race size
• Runner density
• Aid station spacing

No- when stations are properly designed.
UltraSpout dispensers deliver 6oz of water per second, allowing runners to refill in just a few seconds.
Each UltraSpout can serve 15 runners per minute, and a single manifold kit with 6 dispensers can hydrate 90 runners per minute.
Multiple manifolds can be added to match peak runner flow.

No, and most races don’t. The water is trucked in. But anytime you can easily connect to a local water source, it will decrease the number of tanks you need, plus it gives you peace of mind you will never run out of water.

Traditionally races have premixed electrolytes in coolers. This works, but with self-serve aid stations, we have an opportunity to improve. Have a table dedicated to handing out single use packaged electrolyte mix (along with Gel packs). Runner can mix the packets in their water containers.

Many races transitioning to Cup-Free hydration choose to run a small traditional station behind the new refill station during their first event.

This provides peace of mind while runners become familiar with the system.

In most cases, races quickly discover the Cup-Free stations handle the demand - and the backup becomes unnecessary.

Setup and tear down take a couple of minutes per manifold.

For each station, you only need 2 to 4 volunteers. One person’s job would be to manage any breakdowns (extremely rare). You will have replacement UltraSpout dispensers and plugs in the event of a damaged dispenser. The others will hover around to help people who are unfamiliar with the system. Tables are only necessary for Electrolyte coolers, or to stage pitchers of water.

Because the WaterMonster tanks and stands stack, the footprint is small. Think of a wooden pallet, you can stack 10 tanks and 10 stands easily on 2 pallets. A full assembled manifold is 7’6”. The legs pull off making storage compact. The UltraSpouts are stored in a box.

All WaterMonster parts and components are made of food grade safe materials. Store in a dry enclosed area. When ready for use, just rinse off with a common water hose. You can take an empty plastic spray bottle and pour one cap full of household bleach, then fill with water. Spray this solution on, or inside your parts, then rinse.

There are many WaterMonster service providers across the US. They can provide “full service” which means setup, fill up and removal of WaterMonster tanks. They all operate independently and have their own regional pricing. However, the self-serving manifold systems with UltraSpouts are sold through our website.

We have promotional and training videos you can use to share with your athletes and sponsors. The WaterMonster tank also acts as an advertising billboard. We offer custom banner wraps for sponsorship.

YES. WaterMonster hydration systems have been used at 100’s of races across the USA over the past decade, ranging from small 5k’s to large marathons.

Call Kevin for a free consultation. There are formulas to calculate how many WaterMonster tanks, manifolds and UltraSpout water dispensers you will need for your specific running race. With 16 years of experience in the hydration business, he can help design a plan for your event. Because running races require multiple WaterMonster tanks, we can offer generous volume discounts off our retail price of $1,795. The manifold system comes with 6 UltraSpout dispensers. They sell for $325 each.

Many running events are moving toward sustainable hydration practices. Traditional races use thousands of disposable paper cups, most of which end up in landfills. Cup-Free races replace disposable cups with instant refill hydration stations. Runners simply:

• Carry a small reusable container
• Refill quickly at aid stations
• Continue running.

The result is less waste, cleaner run courses, and a more sustainable event.

Often a reusable cup or container will be given to you in your SWAG bag during packet pickup. However, you can bring or wear any container that is most comfortable for you. There are hundreds of options on the open market. It is likely there will be custom containers for sale at your race.

No. UltraSpout dispensers pour water at 6 oz per second, allowing runners to refill in just a few seconds. Many runners find the process faster and less awkward than grabbing a collapsing paper cup while running.

Most races provide reusable containers at packet pickup or sell them at the expo. Some races also keep a small backup supply of cups for emergencies. However, once runners understand the Cup-Free format, participation is typically very smooth.

YES

Electrolyte drinks can be offered using :

• refill dispensers
• pitchers
• powder packets runners add to their container.

Many races offer both water and electrolyte stations.

No, your container will work for both.