Runner Drinks at Every Mile of Chicago Marathon
Expert criticism of the viral stunt centers on the message it sends to new runners about race-day fueling and safety.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Running
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Would you ever drink alcohol during a marathon?
Runner Jack Hosty drank an alcoholic beverage at every mile of the Chicago Marathon, completing all 26 miles and finishing with an official medal. A clip of the stunt posted to social media titled '26 Drinks For 26 Miles' sparked online debate among viewers and runners.
Why it matters
The stunt has drawn criticism from British heptathlete Holly Mills, who said it sends the wrong signal to aspiring runners and that running a marathon while drinking this much alcohol is more dangerous. The episode highlights how a viral race-day stunt can shape how newer runners think about fueling, pacing and safety.
The account rests on a single runner's self-posted video clip and the reporting that followed, not on a controlled study. It documents one individual's race, so it cannot establish typical effects of drinking during a marathon.
The players
Jack Hosty
Runner who completed the Chicago Marathon while drinking an alcoholic beverage at every mile.
Holly Mills
British heptathlete who criticized the stunt as sending the wrong signal to aspiring runners.
The details
Hosty traded the energy gels and electrolyte sachets typically used during long races for alcoholic drinks, including Fireball whiskey, beer, seltzers, champagne, Jell-O shots and Jeppson's Malört. At mile three he accepted a shot of what he called 'mystery juice' along with a puff of a spectator's joint. After passing the 26-mile marker he performed a keg stand on the course before crossing the finish line.
Timeline
Article published on 2026-11-06 about the viral Chicago Marathon stunt.
Hosty drank at every mile of the race, with the keg stand taken after the 26-mile marker.
Health Landscape
Standard marathon fueling centers on carbohydrate gels and electrolyte replacement to sustain effort over 26.2 miles. A stunt that swaps those for alcohol runs against that established practice and the health guidance behind it.
If you are training for a long race, fueling with alcohol in place of standard carbohydrate and electrolyte products is not a practice the reporting supports. Worth discussing your race-day fueling plan with your doctor or a sports dietitian before you race.
The takeaway
Race-day fueling is a health decision, and the reporting on this stunt underscores why runners should plan their nutrition around established guidance. Consider a conversation with a sports dietitian before trying any unconventional approach on race day.
Further reading
For more on race-day preparation, see our Running coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by New York Post.
Live Poll
Would you ever drink alcohol during a marathon?
