Running 26.2 miles might sound like punishment to most people, but for those taking on the TCS London Marathon this weekend, it comes with perks.
From free pints to complimentary pizzas, marathon finishers who flash their medals can cash in on the dozens of freebies up for grabs across the capital.
Because let’s face it, a banana at the finish line just isn’t going to cut it.
The Standard has put together a non-exhaustive list of what you can get on the house this weekend.
Travel
Travel is free for all runners on Sunday, April 26 when you show your race bib to station staff. This applies to London Underground, Overground, Elizabeth line and DLR trains as well as London buses.
Food
Gaucho – Runners can claim a complimentary steak when dining with a paying guest by showing their medal at any of the restaurant’s 11 London locations. The offer is valid from race day until April 29.
Franco Manca – London branches, excluding Westfield Stratford, are handing out free pizzas to those with a finisher’s medal. Simply show your medal to redeem your free pizza. The offer is valid from race day until April 27.
Chipotle – A free burrito, bowl or tacos is available on race day or the following day with proof of participation. Just turn up with your medal to claim.
Bill’s – Runners (and volunteers) can get a free burger and drink when dining in on race day. The offer is available for the following branches: London Bridge, Covent Garden, Greenwich, Kingston, Richmond, Wimbledon, Baker Street, Victoria, Soho and Westfield Stratford.
Fremantle – Head over to the Docklands to pick up a free Aussie-inspired breakfast item with any hot drink on race day.
Itsu – Enjoy a free tray of steamed chicken or vegetable gyozas at any Itsu nationwide on Sunday, when you show your medal.
Kitty Hawk – The rooftop restaurant in Trafalgar Square is offering a free Sunday roast to marathon finishers who present their medal on race day. The roast, typically valued at £32, is available for those attending in a group with a table of at least four guests.
Pasta Evangelists – Runners can pick up a free bowl of pasta on race day by showing either their finishing medal or race bib at one of their locations on Sunday.
Cinnamon Bazaar and Cinnamon Kitchen – If you fancy a post-race curry, you will want to redeem your free chaat from a Cinnamon branch in Covent Garden or Battersea on race day. Just bring yourself and your medal.
La Maritxu – If you have a sweet tooth, head on down to La Maritxu with your London Marathon medal to pick up a free slice of Basque cheesecake. There are only 100 slices up for grabs, though, so you’ll have to get there as quickly as your very tired legs can carry you.
Cutter & Squidge – If you’re a chocolate lover you won’t want to miss out on the deal at Cutter & Squidge in Soho. The bakery is offering free brownies to finishers on the day, while stocks last.
Atis – Atis is offering complimentary salads to any London Marathon finishers. The offer applies to race day and runs up until April 27.
Floozie – Floozie Cookies in Covent Garden is offering free cookies and a drink to all London Marathon finishers on Sunday, just show your medal in store.
Burger King – Have you been abstaining from fast food throughout training season? Get a free Whopper (or the plant-based version) at two branches of Burger King in The Strand or Leicester Square between 12pm-8pm on Sunday. You need to show your medal so you can’t order for click & collect or delivery, and other deals are excluded.
Drinks
Guinness Open Gate Brewery – Fancy a pint? London Marathon runners can claim a free Guinness (or the non-alcoholic version) at Old Brewer’s Yard in Covent Garden. The offer runs from Sunday until April 28.
Castle Pubs – Runners can claim a free pint of Camden Hells at one of London’s Castle Pubs including The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich and The Engineer in Primrose Hill.
Lanes of London – The spot in Hyde Park is offering free recovery smoothies, packed with revitalising berries, coconut water, and Greek yogurt, perfect for London Marathon runners on race day. Again, just present your medal.
Honest Burgers – Marathon finishers can pick up a free Lucky Saint alcohol-free lager or IPA when they order a burger. Just present your medal when ordering. The offer is available at all London locations for race day only.
Vinegar Yard – London Bridge street food spot Vinegar Yard is offering a free drink to London Marathon finishers. Just show your medal to collect.
Greene King – Greene King is offering a free drink to marathon finishers at 128 of its London pubs. Simply bring proof that you crossed that finish line and claim your free pint, spritz or glass of wine.
BrewDog – Get a free pint of Cold Beer in Canary Wharf, Seven Dials, Tower Hill Outpost or Waterloo when you show your medal.
The Ivy – The Ivy locations across London are offering a free glass of champagne to finishers who show their medal. The offer applies to those buying a main meal.
Recovery
Lush – Marathon runners can get a free post-race treat from Lush. Simply show your medal at selected stores to collect The Ouchy magnesium massage balm and The Good Hour shower jelly, which are perfect for a relaxing bath soak after the race. The participating Lush stores are located on Oxford Street, in Victoria, Covent Garden, and at Paddington Station.
Elemis – Skincare brand Elemis are offering free hand and arm massages to all London Marathon 2026 participants up until the end of April, from their Covent Garden branch. The offer includes free product samples.
Milo and The Bull – Health and fitness studio Milo and The Bull is offering free reformer pilates to anyone who finished the London Marathon. The offer applies to the studio’s St John’s Hill site. Simply show proof of completion to claim your freebie.
