McDonald's Offers Marathon Runners Pickle Juice, Experts Urge Caution

McDonald's is offering a briny twist to the Chicago Marathon weekend with its limited-edition "Pickle Boost" bottles, available from Oct. 9 through race day, Oct. 11. The promotion is inspired by the trend of athletes consuming pickle juice to alleviate muscle cramps.

Runners and spectators can obtain the "Pickle Boost" at a pop-up event on Chicago's Lakefront Trail on Friday morning and at five McDonald's locations near the marathon route on race day, while supplies last.

While the idea of pickle juice helping muscle cramps has some scientific backing, experts express reservations. Jena Brown, RD, CSSD, a sports dietitian, noted that research on pickle juice's effectiveness is mixed. A small study indicated it might help electrically induced cramps subside faster than water in dehydrated individuals, but this research did not involve marathon runners, and another study found no benefit.

"Muscle cramps are not fully understood and are likely not induced by a singular cause for all runners," Brown stated. She suggested that while electrolyte loss can contribute to cramps in some athletes, the benefit of pickle juice may not solely be due to sodium replacement. An alternative theory posits that vinegar in pickle juice could stimulate receptors in the mouth and gut, influencing nerve-muscle signaling, though evidence for this is limited.

Brown emphasized that pickle brine should not replace a runner's established hydration and fueling plan. Typical sports drinks provide fluids and carbohydrates for energy, whereas a sip of pickle brine offers minimal fluid and no fuel, despite containing electrolytes lost through sweat. She advised that runners who regularly use pickle juice in training and find it beneficial may continue to do so. However, she strongly cautioned against trying it for the first time on race day.

For runners who choose to try pickle brine during a race, Brown recommends taking small sips and gently stretching the affected muscle. She also advised extra caution for those sensitive to salty or acidic drinks, especially later in a race when heat, fatigue, and stomach upset can be significant factors.

McDonald's did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.