What Can London Marathon Runners Get For Free?

By Ellie Smith

21 minutes ago

Cheesecake, pints, travel and more


On 26 April 2026, over 40,000 people will be attempting to complete the London Marathon. Conquering 26.2 miles is no mean feat, and finishers can claim bragging rights for months afterwards. But smugness isn’t the only reward: a London marathon medal will also get you a whole host of free stuff, from food to travel to ice baths. If you’re one of the brave souls trying your hand at the epic running challenge, here are all the marathon freebies to take advantage of on race day and beyond.

London Marathon 2026: All The Freebies For Runners

Dessert trolley from Ham Yard Hotel

For a real treat book a post-marathon lunch at Ham Yard, where runners will be treated to a lavish complimentary dessert trolley. Enjoy a roast with live jazz (starts at £39pp) before flashing your medal to enjoy complimentary sweet treats including the signature Snickers dessert, chocolate profiteroles and Victoria sponge. 

1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT, firmdalehotels.com

atis salad bowl

Salad bowl from atis

London lunchtime favourite atis has created a limited-edition bowl to tie in with the London Marathon, created in collaboration with coaching app Runna. The plant-powered dish features miso ginger sweet potato, black bean mix, charred corn, wholegrain rice and spinach, topped with a rich cashew satay dressing – perfect for keeping runners fuelled ahead of the big day. And on 26 or 27 April, marathon participants can claim a complimentary atis bow of their choice – simply by showing their medal in-store.

Multiple locations, atis.life

Pint of Camden Hells from Castle Pubs

It’s customary to head for a few drinks after crossing the finish line, and medal holders who choose one of the Castle Pubs will be able to claim a free draught pint of Camden Hells. The group includes hotspots like The White Horse in Parsons Green, The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich and The Sun Inn in Barnes.

Multiple locations, castlepubs.co.uk

Roast lunch at Kitty Hawk

(c) Jodi Hinds

Roast from Kitty Hawk

You’ll work up quite the appetite running 26.2 miles, so when that post-run hunger kicks in why not celebrate with a slap-up roast? Rooftop restaurant Kitty Hawk is offering a complimentary Sunday roast for marathon runners: choose between pork belly, Yorkshire chicken or 45-day aged sirloin, paired with duck fat roasted potatoes, cauliflower cheese and a Yorkshire pudding.

8 St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2N 4JH, etmcollection.co.uk

Recovery smoothie from Lanes of London

Refuel with a nutritious smoothie from Park Lane restaurant Lanes of London. Marathon runners can enjoy a complimentary drink made with antioxidant-rich berries, hydrating coconut water, orange juice and Greek yoghurt, finished with a touch of honey. 

140 Park Ln, London W1K 7AA, lanesoflondon.co.uk

Basque cheesecake from Le Maritxu 

Basque cheesecake from Le Maritxu

Bakery Le Maritxu in Connaught Village is renowned for its Basque cheesecake, made using a traditional family recipe that involves baking a high temperature to get that delicious burnt caramelised crust. Yet to try it? Here’s your chance: this April, the first 100 marathon runners who present their medal in-store will be treated to the delicacy for free.

12 Connaught St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2AF, lamaritxucheesecake.co.uk

Chaat from Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden/Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea 

Treat yourself to an Indian-inspired meal at Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden or Cinnamon Kitchen in Battersea, where marathon runners are being offered a complimentary chaat dish – the menu includes snacks like Punjabi vegetable samosas, spiced green potato cake and chickpea vermicelli with chutney.

28 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7JS / Battersea Power Station, Arches Ln, Nine Elms, London SW11 8AB, cinnamon-bazaar.com / cinnamon-kitchen.com

Kaya Great Northern Hotel

Sparkling wine from Kaya Great Northern Hotel

Runners heading home via King’s Cross after crossing the finish line should stop by Kaya Great Northern Hotel, where a complimentary glass of fizz will be waiting. You’ll have to be quick though: it’s only available for the first 45 runners (celebrating the 45th year of the London Marathon). 

Pancras Rd, London N1C 4TB, kayagnhlondon.com

Massage from ELEMIS

Throughout the month of April, ELEMIS in Covent Garden is offering marathon participants a free hand and arm massage – perfect for keeping those muscles in check before the big day (or for some post-run R&R). While you’re in the area, stop by JENKI for a complimentary matcha, and pop into Happy Socks to claim your free pair of socks. 

23 Monmouth Street, Greater, 23 Monmouth St, Greater, London WC2H 9DD, uk.elemis.com

Travel

No need to shell out a tenner on your journey to and from the race. TfL is offering marathon runners free travel on the London Underground and London Overground services all day until 8pm on 26 April – all you need to do is show your runners number or medal to swan through the barriers.


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