McDonald’s to Hand Out Bottled Pickle Brine During Chicago Marathon Weekend
McDonald’s is launching Pickle Boost, bottled pickle juice, around the Chicago Marathon on October 11. The company will offer free bottles at a Lakefront Trail preview on October 9 and at five Chicago restaurants on race day while supplies last. The salty drink is being promoted as a possible aid for athletes dealing with muscle cramps.
McDonald’s is bottling the brine from its burger pickles as Pickle Boost, timed to the Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 11. A preview along the Lakefront Trail at 2401 N. Lake Shore Drive will give out bottles on Friday, October 9, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT.
On race day, five Chicago restaurants will act as pickup points from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT, with two complimentary bottles available while supplies last. The locations are on N. Clark St., N. Wells St., N. Clark St., N. LaSalle St., and E. 35th St. The salty drink is presented as a possible aid for athletes’ muscle cramps.
This promotion could draw extra attention to pickle juice as a sports-recovery trend, especially among runners and endurance-event spectators in Chicago. It may also give McDonald’s a playful cultural moment tied to marathon weekend, potentially appealing to younger consumers and pickle fans. For local restaurants near the giveaway sites, increased foot traffic could be a minor benefit or disruption. The effect is likely limited to the event window and depends on supply, weather, and runner turnout.