During the 1904 summer Olympics marathon one runner hitched a ride, another was given rat poison and brandy as a stimulus, fourth place winner took a nap during the run, and two other runners were chased a mile by angry dogs.
reddit, Tiny Fox Lab

During the 1904 summer Olympics marathon one runner hitched a ride, another was given rat poison and brandy as a stimulus, fourth place winner took a nap during the run, and two other runners were chased a mile by angry dogs. – Tiny Fox Lab Facts

“Poison and brandy” meaning strychnine (as a muscle relaxant to reduce cramping) and brandy (because brandy and champagne were considered the original sports drinks)

Preview photo credit: reddit, tinyfoxlab
Source: smithsonianmag.com/histor…