Yes, McDonald's is really bottling its pickle brine. It's called Pickle Boost, it's made from the brine of the pickles on McDonald's burgers, and it's free in Chicago during 2026 Chicago Marathon weekend. You can get up to two bottles on Friday, October 9 on the Lakefront Trail, or on race day, Sunday, October 11, at five McDonald's locations around the city. Once the giveaway ends, the closest thing you can keep in your bag is a 3 oz real-brine shot like Fast Pickle.
We've been saying pickle brine belongs in a runner's kit since day one. Seeing the biggest restaurant brand in the world say the same thing during marathon weekend? We'll take it.
Where and when to get a free Pickle Boost
According to McDonald's announcement, there are two chances to grab one. Both are free, limited to two bottles per person, and only while supplies last.
| When | Where | Hours (CT) |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Oct 9 (Pickle Boost Preview) | Lakefront Trail, 2401 N Lake Shore Dr | 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 (race day Pit Stops) | 2635 N Clark St | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 | 1563 N Wells St | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 | 600 N Clark St | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 | 203 N LaSalle St | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Sun, Oct 11 | 207 E 35th St | 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Heads up: the race-day spots are restaurants, not aid stations. They aren't on the course. If you're running, plan on Friday's preview or have someone grab bottles for you Sunday.
What we know (and don't) about what's inside
McDonald's describes Pickle Boost as bottled brine from its pickles. Some outlets have reported a small bottle of around 2 oz. What McDonald's hasn't shared is a nutrition panel, so there's no published sodium number.
That matters if you're using it as part of a fueling plan. Pickle brine sodium varies a lot from jar to jar depending on the recipe. If you're counting milligrams across a marathon, you want a number on a label. A Fast Pickle shot lists 570mg of sodium in 3 oz with 0g added sugar, so you know exactly what you're getting at mile 18.
Why marathoners use pickle juice in the first place
Two reasons. The first is sodium. You lose it through sweat, and over a few hours that adds up. Brine is one of the most concentrated sources of sodium you can drink.
The second is the research. In a 2010 study led by Kevin Miller at Brigham Young University, men who drank pickle juice after an electrically induced muscle cramp saw it end about 37% faster than when they drank water and about 45% faster than when they drank nothing. Researchers didn't see meaningful blood changes in that short window, which pointed to a reflex triggered in the mouth and throat rather than sodium absorption. It was a small study, and the science isn't settled, but it's why brine became a sideline staple.*
Pickle Boost vs. a shot you can keep in your bag
| McDonald's Pickle Boost | Fast Pickle | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (two per person) | $28.99 for 12 ($2.42/shot) |
| Where | Chicago only, Oct 9 and 11 | Ships anywhere in the US |
| Sodium | Not published | 570mg per 3 oz |
| Added sugar | Not published | 0g |
| Storage | Not published | Shelf-stable, no fridge before opening |
Grab the free ones if you're in Chicago. Seriously. Then think about what you'll use for your next long run, your next race, and every hot training day after this weekend. That's where a 12-pack of Fast Pickle comes in.
How to use pickle brine on race day
Test it first. Nothing new on race day. If you've never had brine mid-run, try it on a long training run before you count on it.
Before the start: Some runners take a shot 15 to 30 minutes before the gun, especially on warm mornings.
Late in the race: Others carry one in a vest or shorts pocket for the back half, when sweat losses have piled up. A 3 oz shot is small enough to fit.
Keep drinking on course. Brine adds sodium. It doesn't replace water or the fluids at aid stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is McDonald's Pickle Boost?
Pickle Boost is a limited-edition bottle of pickle brine made from the pickles McDonald's puts on its burgers. McDonald's is handing it out free in Chicago during 2026 Chicago Marathon weekend. It isn't sold in stores.
Where can I get a free Pickle Boost in Chicago?
Friday, October 9, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on the Lakefront Trail at 2401 N Lake Shore Drive. On race day, Sunday, October 11, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. CT at 2635 N Clark St, 1563 N Wells St, 600 N Clark St, 203 N LaSalle St and 207 E 35th St. Limit two per person, while supplies last.
How much sodium is in McDonald's Pickle Boost?
McDonald's hasn't published nutrition facts for Pickle Boost, so the sodium content is unknown. For comparison, a 3 oz Fast Pickle shot lists 570mg of sodium on its label.
Is drinking pickle juice before a marathon a good idea?
Plenty of runners use it, mostly for the sodium. Don't try anything new on race day, though. If you plan to use pickle brine during a marathon, test it on a long training run first so you know how your stomach handles it.
Can I buy Pickle Boost after the Chicago Marathon?
McDonald's has only announced the Chicago giveaway. No retail version or other cities have been announced. If you want a shelf-stable pickle brine shot you can buy any time, Fast Pickle sells 3 oz shots in 6, 12 and 24 packs.
Keep reading: How much sodium do runners need per hour? and what runners actually use at mile 20.
Fast Pickle is not affiliated with or endorsed by McDonald's. Pickle Boost details are from McDonald's October 2026 announcement and may change.