McDonald’s Is Bottling Pickle Brine & We Have Questions

McDonald’s is getting surprisingly serious about pickles. Just in time for one of the biggest marathon weekends, the fast-food giant is bottling the brine from its famous pickles and handing it out to runners in Chicago.

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Called Pickle Boost, the new freebie comes in a tiny 2-ounce bottle. Pickle Boost will be available for two days only during the Chicago Marathon weekend.

Pickle Boost Is Coming To Chicago

The new Pickle Boost is a tiny 2-ounce bottle of pickle brine designed with marathon runners in mind. It will be free for a limited time during Chicago Marathon weekend, giving runners and pickle fans a chance to try the salty stuff that usually gets left behind in the pickle jar. 

The 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 11th, marking the 48th running of the race. More than 55,000 participants are expected to run the 26.2-mile course through Chicago.  

McDonald’s will start the Pickle Boost fun before race day. On Friday, October 9th, from 7AM to 1PM CT, runners and pickle fans can get an early taste along the Lakefront Trail at 2401 N Lake Shore Drive. So runners and pickle fans have a chance to sample the new bottled brine before the marathon arrives.

Pickle juice has developed quite the reputation among athletes, especially people who deal with muscle cramps during exercise. The idea is that a small amount of salty pickle brine can be consumed quickly when a cramp hits.

Five McDonald’s Restaurants Will Have Pickle Boost

The main Pickle Boost giveaway happens on Sunday, October 11th, when runners take on the Chicago Marathon.

From 7AM to 3PM CT, five McDonald’s restaurants along the marathon route will offer the free 2-ounce bottles. Supplies are limited, so anyone hoping to score one should not assume the pickle juice will still be waiting later in the afternoon.

The participating restaurants are located near mile 2 at 203 N LaSalle St., mile 3 at 600 N Clark St., mile 9 at 2635 N Clark St., mile 11 at 1563 N Wells St., and mile 23 at 207 E 35th St.

Fans can grab up to two bottles at the participating restaurants while supplies last.

Only For A Limited Time

McDonald’s has announced Pickle Boost specifically for the Chicago Marathon weekend. There is no indication that the 2-ounce bottles are becoming a permanent menu item or heading to McDonald’s restaurants across the country.

For runners who already swear by pickle juice, Pickle Boost could be a welcome sight during race weekend. For everyone else, it’s simply a chance to find out what happens when McDonald’s takes the leftover pickle brine and gives it its own bottle.