Marathon runners refuel with milk

INDIANAPOLIS — America Dairy Association Indiana gave out 10,000 pints of chocolate milk to mini-marathon and 5K runners.

Participants at the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K on May 3 enjoyed the milk, which is known for helping athletes recover.

“After running, your body craves the perfect balance of protein, carbs and hydration — and chocolate milk delivers on all fronts,” said Brooke Williams, ADAI spokesperson.

“It’s a delicious, science-backed way to refuel, rebuild muscles and rehydrate after crossing that finish line, and we look forward to supporting all the runners this weekend with milk from our local dairy farmers.”

Eight ounces of low-fat chocolate milk contains as much calcium as 10 cups of raw spinach, as much potassium as one banana and as much Vitamin A as two boiled eggs, the organization said.

Additionally, the lactose in milk is a natural sugar to help get amino acids into muscle cells.

Its electrolytes replace what’s lost in sweat, while calcium and Vitamin D help strengthen bones and reduce the risk for stress fractures.

Learn more at winnersdrinkmilk.com.