Overview
- McDonald’s began distributing complimentary bottled Pickle Boost on Friday and will continue the promotion through race day Sunday, Oct. 9–11, with a Lakefront Trail pop-up and five Chicago restaurant pickup points while supplies last.
- The company limited distribution to two bottles per person at specified addresses and hours to serve runners and spectators along the marathon route.
- PR Newswire posted a correction updating the pick-up map photo in McDonald’s original release to clarify where bottles will be available.
- Sports dietitians tell reporters that a few small studies show pickle brine may shorten certain electrically induced cramps but overall evidence is inconsistent and the brine provides little fluid or fuel compared with sports drinks.
- Health experts advise runners not to substitute brine for a planned hydration and fueling strategy and to avoid trying the sour, salty remedy for the first time on race day because it can worsen stomach upset or be poorly tolerated.