A Study to Evaluate the Analgesic Properties of Topically Applied Menthol in Marathon Participants

Authors
Category Primary study
Registry of TrialsClinicalTrials.gov
Year 2026
The purpose of the research study is to better understand the factors that impact pain experience in adult (18+ years) marathon runners participating in the 2026 Chicago Marathon and to better understand if topically applied menthol provides effective pain relief and impacts quality-of-life outcomes when used during the marathon, in the Recovery Zone immediately after the marathon, or during post-race recovery. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Does topically applied menthol (gel and roll-on formats) reduce pain when applied in the Recovery Zone immediately after a marathon? * What are the sensory attributes (e.g., cooling sensation) of topically applied menthol (gel and roll-on) when used in the Recovery Zone immediately after a marathon? * How do participants assess the effects of topically applied menthol products used during and/or after a marathon on pain relief, performance, recovery, and sleep-related quality-of-life outcomes? Researchers will evaluate participant-reported pre- and post-application pain scores in the Recovery Zone immediately following the marathon and post-race outcomes to assess analgesic effectiveness, sensory attributes, and quality-of-life outcomes associated with Biofreeze use. Participants will: * Provide documented informed consent prior to participation. * Self-select to use Biofreeze products during and/or after the race. * Complete one or both of the following: 1. End of Race Questionnaire (includes pain score before and after Biofreeze application, sensory assessments, and demographics). 2. Post-Race Questionnaire (includes retrospective recall of pain relief, product use, sensory experience, sleep-related outcomes and demographic data).
Epistemonikos ID: 3499139a1a312b2aa73718e84221684c9862b042
First added on: Oct 15, 2026