McDonald's Offers Pickle Juice for Cramp Relief at Chicago Marathon
McDonald's is giving away free two-ounce bottles of its 'Pickle Boost' pickle juice at the Chicago Marathon, targeting over 55,000 runners and spectators seeking cramp relief.
McDonald's is handing out free pickle juice shots for cramp relief at the 48th annual Chicago Marathon. More than 55,000 runners are entered for Sunday's race out of Grant Park, creating a large audience for the fast-food chain's quirky nutritional experiment.
McDonald's is giving away two-ounce bottles of Pickle Boost to runners and spectators. The company announced the giveaway on Monday, targeting athletes who reach for the briny liquid when cramps hit. Bottles are free while supplies last. The chain cited electrolytes and cramp management as the reasoning behind the promotion.
Pickle Boost availability and locations
McDonald's plans Pickle Boost Pit Stops along the marathon route. On race day, five restaurants will give two bottles to each runner or spectator who stops by between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. Every one of the five restaurant locations sits on or right beside the course.
The specific pit stop locations are as follows:
| Location | Approximate Mile Marker & Description |
|---|---|
| 2635 N Clark St. | Around mile 9.5, on the stretch back south through Lincoln Park. |
| 1563 N Wells St. | Around mile 11, in the Old Town area. |
| 600 N Clark St. | Early in the race, at the flagship River North location. |
| 203 N LaSalle St. | Just before the race's third river crossing, about mile 3. |
| 207 E 35th St. | A little after mile 23, where the field turns north. |
Pickle juice will not be at any of the 20 official aid stations on the course, which hand out water and lemon-lime Gatorade.
Preview event and distribution details
A preview event distributed the product before race day. McDonald's also gave out pickle juice at a Pickle Boost Preview on Friday, Oct. 9 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT at 2401 N Lake Shore Drive on the Lakefront Trail.
Scientific basis for cramp relief
The scientific support for pickle juice as a cramp remedy shows mixed results. Pickle juice contains sodium and other electrolytes, and its acetic acid may help reduce cramping by stimulating receptors in the mouth and throat. Athletes have been drinking it for years.
A 2010 study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise had 10 men exercise in the heat until dehydrated, then induced a cramp. After a shot of pickle juice of about 74 milliliters, the cramps lasted 85 seconds on average compared with 134 seconds when the same men drank water. Researchers argued the brine could not have left the stomach quickly enough for its electrolytes to explain the effect. Their best explanation was a reflex set off by receptors at the back of the mouth and throat.
However, a 2021 study found no significant difference in cramp duration or discomfort between pickle juice and water for electrically induced muscle cramps. Researchers noted high variability in study results and stated more research is needed. Kevin Miller said of a separate study that "it is unlikely that pickle juice relieves cramps during exercise by changing plasma variables."
Limited-time Chicago-only experiment
This promotion is exclusive to Chicago with no nationwide rollout announced. McDonald's is pitching the drink at spectators as much as runners. The release states runners or spectators can grab two bottles for 'a quick boost, pre-race perk or victory lap'. McDonald's previously offered pickle juice to Auckland FC soccer players in New Zealand using leftover brine from its kitchens.
The initial handout was at the Friday preview event at 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive.
