Completing the London Marathon is a monumental achievement, and for many runners, the race itself is only the beginning of the celebration. A unique aspect of the event is the tradition of businesses and services across the capital offering complimentary perks to participants who present their finisher’s medal. These freebies range from essential post-race sustenance and travel to wellness treatments and entertainment. This article outlines the various free offers available to those who completed the 2025 TCS London Marathon, based on verified information from promotional announcements and news reports. The focus is on practical, actionable details for runners seeking to claim these rewards.
The range of freebies is extensive, catering to different needs and locations. Offers are typically available on race day, Sunday 27th April 2025, with some extending into the following day or the subsequent week. Key categories include food and drink, public transport, wellness and recovery, and leisure activities. It is important to note that all offers require the runner to present their official finisher’s medal or, in some cases, their race bib number or confirmation information. Availability is often limited to specific dates, times, and locations, so planning is advisable.
Free Food and Drink
A significant number of restaurants, cafes, and food halls offer complimentary meals and beverages to marathon finishers as a form of celebration. These offers provide an opportunity for runners to refuel and enjoy a well-earned treat without additional cost.
Bill’s Restaurants is offering a free burger and a drink to London Marathon medallists and volunteers. This promotion is valid on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th April 2025. Participants can choose any burger from the menu and select a drink from the following options: a bottle of Peroni, a bottle of Lucky Saint, an Aperol Spritz, or a soft drink. The offer is available at all 11 Bill’s restaurants in London, including locations in Covent Garden, Soho, Hammersmith, Wimbledon, Richmond, and Greenwich. The closest restaurants to the finish line are in Covent Garden and Soho.
Kricket is providing a free drink to marathon finishers across all its London sites. Runners can claim a complimentary cocktail or a cold beer. The specific locations for this offer should be verified on the Kricket website.
Pastaio in Soho is giving finishers a free bowl of fresh pasta on race day. Participants can choose any item from the menu, with the exception of the Whole Lobster Linguine for two. The restaurant is located at 19 Ganton Street, Carnaby, W1F 9BN, near Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus stations.
Market Place Food Hall Vauxhall offers a free pint of any draught beer to marathon finishers on race day. To claim this, finishers must show their medal. The venue is at 7 South Lambeth Place, SW8 1SP, with Vauxhall station nearby.
SushiDog is treating runners to a free meal to celebrate their achievement. Finishers can claim a complimentary SushiDog, Sushi Bowl, or Sushi Salad by presenting their TCS London Marathon 2025 medal at any SushiDog store. The locations of SushiDog venues can be found on their website.
Franco Manca offers a free pizza to runners completing the London, Manchester, Leeds, or Exeter Marathons. Finishers can show their medal at any participating Franco Manca restaurant to claim the freebie. For the London Marathon, this is available on Sunday 27th and Monday 28th April 2025.
It’s Bagels in Primrose Hill provides a free cream cheese bagel to marathon finishers for the entire week after the marathon. This offer requires the presentation of the finisher’s medal.
MeatLiquor is offering a free burger to marathon runners on race day from any of its participating stores. Finishers need to show their medal to claim this offer.
SunGod is hosting a marathon after-party at 28 Henrietta Street, less than 20 minutes from the finish line by foot. Here, runners can claim free post-race massages, tote bags, beer (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and pizza.
Pastificio Al Dente runs a ‘Run Fasta Eat Pasta’ campaign from April 24th to 26th, offering free takeaway pasta dishes to all marathon runners for carbo-loading before the race. This is available at their participating locations.
Gymshark on Regent Street is providing Lumi ice baths, Hyperice massage guns, and refreshments from Joe & The Juice for runners between 1pm and 6pm on race day. Friends and family of runners are also welcome.
Free Travel
Transport for London (TfL) and Southeastern rail offer free travel to participants on race day, which is a highly practical benefit for getting to the start line and returning home.
Runners can enjoy free travel on the London Underground, Overground, DLR, and London buses until 6:30pm on Sunday 27th April 2025. To use this service, participants must show their race bib number when boarding.
In addition, free travel is available on specific Southeastern rail services to help runners reach the start areas. This free service is only available in the morning on race day. Participants must show their race number at the ticket gate at the following stations: London Bridge, London Cannon Street, London Charing Cross, Waterloo East, and London Victoria. It is important to note that runners will still need a valid train ticket for travel into London before the race and for the rest of the day after the race.
Free Wellness and Recovery
Several brands offer complimentary wellness treatments and products to aid in post-race recovery.
Lush is giving away its Cold Water Soother Epsom salt cube and After magnesium solid massage oil bar to marathon runners. Additionally, they are providing a voucher for a 10 per cent discount at Lush Spa. The participating Lush spas are in Covent Garden, Paddington Station, Waterloo Station, and Victoria Station. These freebies can be claimed from Sunday 27th April to Wednesday 30th April.
Brockwell Lido and Park Road Leisure are offering free swim sessions to London Marathon participants. This offer is available from now until Sunday 28th April. To gain access, participants need to show their race confirmation information.
Free Leisure and Entertainment
Beyond food and recovery, some businesses offer free leisure activities to help finishers unwind.
City Cruises is providing a free sightseeing ticket to marathon runners. After completing the race, participants can use this ticket to enjoy a cruise along the river and see the sights of London. This offer allows runners to relax and experience the city from a different perspective.
Important Considerations for Claiming Offers
While the freebies are generous, there are several key points for runners to remember:
- Proof of Participation: The finisher’s medal is the primary proof required for most offers. In some cases, such as free travel on Southeastern rail, the race bib number is needed. For free swim sessions, race confirmation information is required.
- Validity Period: Offers are often time-sensitive. Many are only valid on race day (Sunday 27th April) or the following day (Monday 28th April). Some, like the free bagel at It’s Bagels, are available for a longer period. Always check the specific dates for each offer.
- Location Restrictions: Offers are typically limited to specific locations. For example, Bill’s free burger is available at all 11 London restaurants, while Pastaio is only in Soho. Runners should plan their route to claim offers in locations that are convenient for them.
- Terms and Conditions: Some offers have exclusions, such as the Whole Lobster Linguine at Pastaio. It is advisable to check the full terms on the brand’s website or in-store before travelling.
- Availability: While these offers are widely publicised, they are subject to availability. Popular venues may experience high demand, so it is prudent to arrive early or have a backup plan.
Conclusion
The London Marathon is more than just a race; it is a city-wide celebration of endurance and achievement. The freebies offered by London businesses provide a tangible reward for the hard work of training and running 26.2 miles. From essential post-race nutrition and free transport to wellness treatments and leisure activities, these perks enhance the overall experience for finishers. By presenting their medal, runners can access a variety of complimentary services that help them recover, celebrate, and enjoy the city. It is a unique tradition that underscores the community spirit surrounding the event, offering runners a chance to feel like a winner long after they cross the finish line.