Chicago – October 05, 2026 -- McDonald's is giving away free bottles of its pickle brine to runners and spectators during Chicago Marathon weekend, betting on a long-rumored cramp remedy to win over endurance athletes.

Free samples hit the Lakefront Trail before race day

On Friday, Oct. 9, McDonald's will set up a "Pickle Boost Preview" station at 2401 N Lake Shore Drive from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT, timed to catch runners during popular pre-race shakeout runs along the Lakefront Trail.

Five Chicago locations offer bottles on race morning

On Sunday, Oct. 11, the chain will distribute two bottles per person, free of charge, at five McDonald's restaurants across the city from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT while supplies last. The locations are 2635 N Clark St, 1563 N Wells St, 600 N Clark St, 203 N LaSalle St, and 207 E 35th St.

McDonald's frames the drink, dubbed Pickle Boost, as a way for runners, spectators and pickle enthusiasts alike to fuel race day, calling it a "race day MVP" whether used as a pre-race perk or a victory-lap treat.

The brine taps into a long-standing athlete trend

Pickle juice has circulated among athletes for years as an informal remedy for mid-workout muscle cramps, and McDonald's promotion leans directly into that reputation rather than making its own medical claims.