Why did the runners in the Olympics Women's Marathon pour out some water before drinking out of their bottles?

Question

Why did the runners in the Olympics Women's Marathon pour out some water before drinking out of their bottles?

Answer 1

I was wondering the same thing while I was watching, but I think I understand why....

I've never tried to drink water while running, but I'm assuming that if it's completely full, it'll splash out, especially when you lift and tilt it to drink.

If you pour a little bit out, it will lower the level of the water and be less likely to splash out on your face and body.

On a side note, I found it also interesting that the women then threw the bottles directly behind them. It reminded me of Mario Kart when people leave banana peels behind them. Wouldn't that create an obstacle for runners behind them?