Spring is here and all over this city (and beyond), runners are taking their training to the next level ahead of the London Marathon on Sunday April 26. Hill training, cross-training, stretching, calculating fuelling strategies... we’re exhausted just thinking about it.
But actually finishing the world famous course comes with some serious bonuses, and we’re not just talking about the official marathon runner’s race kit (which includes your race number and safety pins, a timing chip, and a final event guide, as well as an optional finisher’s T-shirt and medal after the race). Or the warm, sweaty glow that comes from having pounded your way past Cutty Sark, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in the company of thousands of fellow runners.
London’s restaurants, pubs, cafes and fitness companies are increasingly laying on perks for marathon finishers (and running their way into some free publicity, into the bargain). Every year the list seems to get longer and leftfield: in 2026, your medal will get your free cheesecake, Lush smellies, socks, steak, pints, and Peleton seshes. Just don’t wear yourself out running round town to bag ’em all. You’ve earned a nice sit down.
📍 Where to watch the London Marathon: the best places along the route map.
⛔️ London Marathon 2026 road closures – full list.
🌤️ The 2026 London Marathon weather forecast.
👟 How to track runners at the 2026 London Marathon.
✅ How to enter the 2027 London Marathon ballot.
⏱️ All the race waves and start times.
The best London Marathon 2026 freebies and perks
1. Cheesecake at La Maritxu
What you get: If you've been sticking to a strict health-focused eating plan pre-marathon, you probably haven’t noticed that cheesecake is stepping forward to take tiramisu’s crown as the indulgent creamy dessert du jour. But slumber no longer! Now is your chance to get a free slice of San Sebastián style Basque cheesecake at Kingly Court bakery.
How to claim: The first 100 runners to present their medal at La Maritxu on race day will score a free wedge of cheesecake.
2. Steak at Gaucho
What you get: Sirloin, ribeye, rump or fillet: take your pick, and chomp your way through a free hunk of beef at these Latin American steak houses.
How to claim: You’ve got from race day til April 29 to turn up at any of London’s 11 Gaucho restaurants with your medal, and be treated to a free steak. You must dine with at least one other person (so don’t scare all your friends off with the running chat) who orders their own main meal.
3. Socks at Happy Socks
What you get: Treat those hardworking feet to something gorgeous to wear at Covent Garden’s Happy Socks, which is handing out its wares free to marathon runners, while stocks last.
How to claim: Just turn up on race day with your medal, and hope the free socks haven’t run out.
4. Medal engraving at Peloton Studios
What you get: Covent Garden’s Peloton Studios is going all out for marathon season, with a free 5k shakeout run on Friday April 24, a sign-making sesh with free coffee for anyone watching the race on Sunday April 28, and then special celebrations the following Monday and Tuesday where you can get your medal engraved.
How to claim: Turn up to get your medal engraved with your name or time, alongside a special photo op, and a discount on Peloton apparel.
5. Matcha at Jenki bar
What you get: Freshly-ground matcha peddlers Jenki are giving runners a boost on marathon day with a free cup of the green stuff
How to claim: Just turn up and flash your medal.
6. Salad at Atis
What you get: You’d be justified in celebrating your marathon with a big greasy blowout meal but if you want to take things in a more virtuous direction, Atis is the place to go.
How to claim: Head to one of Atis’s London branches on race day, or the day after, and present your medal to get a free bowl with one standard protein, all extras charged separately (so don’t push your luck).
7. Kebab at Le Bab
What you get: Gourmet meat joint Le Bab is treating runners to a free kebab at their Covent Garden branch in The Yards.
How to claim: Show your medal on race day to get a free meal.
8. Pancakes at Polo Bar
What you get: Planning a late one after the big race? Liverpool Street institution Polo Bar has got your back. This 24-hour restaurant is offering a free stack of pancakes for marathon runners, available day or night.
How to claim: Show your medal to score your carb fix.
9. Pasta at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta
What you get: If you’re not fed up with pasta after whatever epic carb-loading sesh preceded your race, you’re in luck. You can get a very fancy bowl of the stuff at any of Emilia’s London branches: think homemade pistachio pesto or yellowfin tuna puttanesca.
How to claim: Emilia’s employees will be at the finishing line handing out medal-shaped pasta tokens - just don’t get confused and forget to claim your actual medal.
10. A drink at Vinegar Yard
What you get: London Bridge street food spot Vinegar Yard is treating runners to a free drink on race day, perfect for enjoying on their outdoor terrace.
How to claim: Just show your medal.
11. Dessert trolley at Ham Yard
What you get: Not everyone will feel like a long, fancy lunch after the big race. But if you’ve got the mental energy to get spruced up for a Sunday roast with live jazz, then there’s a sweet reward in store: a free pass at Ham Yard’s lavish dessert trolley,
How to claim: Book your table in advance, then bring your medal on the day.
12. Recovery smoothie at Lanes of London
What you get: This Hyde Park spot is serving up berry-rich recovery smoothies with restoring coconut water and Greek yoghurt.
How to claim: Present your medal on race day.
13. Pint of Camden Hells at Castle pubs
What you get: A nutritious pint of Camden Hells at one of London’s Castle pubs, including The Gipsy Moth in Greenwich, The Sun Inn in Barnes, The White Horse in Parsons Green, or The Engineer in Primrose Hill.
How to claim: Show your medal on race day.
14. Sunday roast at Kitty Hawk
What you get: Well, this must be the most lavish freebie on offer for marathon runners: head to Trafalgar Square restaurant Kitty Hawk and you’ll get a free Sunday roast (usually priced at £32).
How to claim: Bring your medal, and stagger the few short minutes from the race’s big finish line.
15. Meal at Chipotle
What you get: You’ve got two whole days to claim a burrito (or other hearty Mexican-inspired meal) at Chipotle this year.
How to claim: Just turn up at a London branch on race day or the following Monday with your medal to get your freebie.
16. Chaat at Cinnamon Bazaar and Cinnamon Kitchen
What you get: Enjoy some tasty Indian street food on the house at Vivek Singh’s two London restaurants.
How to claim: Bring your medal to Vivek Singh’s Cinnamon Bazaar Covent Garden or Cinnamon Kitchen Battersea on race day.
17. Lush bath products
What you get: Soothe those aching muscles with a long bath laced with free Lush products. The potently-scented toiletries brand will be giving away its new Marathon-exclusive Ouchy magnesium massage balm and The Good Hour shower jelly.
How to claim: Show your shiny medal to staff at Lush stores on Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Victoria and Paddington stations on marathon day.
18. Pint of Pretty Decent
What you get: Independent east London brewery is handing out its wares for free to runners, as well as laying on £4 pints all day so you can continue your celebrations without breaking the bank.
How to claim: Show your medal at the brewery’s Victoria Park, Forest Gate and Walthamstow taprooms.
19. Recovery yoga session
What you get: Emma Taylor, a specialist yoga teacher for runners, is laying on three free online sessions for marathon finishers, aimed at soothing and stretching those tired muscles.
How to claim: Sign up online to bag your free spot.
20. Sparkling wine at KAYA Hotel
What you get: Score a free glass of bubbly at Kaya Great Northern Hotel, which is right by King’s Cross, making it a perfect pitstop for anyone travelling home out of the city.
How to claim: Pop in on race day, but be quick: it’s only available to the first 45 runners to arrive, in honour of 45 years of the London marathon.
21. Thames sightseeing with City Cruises
What you get: The London marathon route snakes past plenty of landmarks but most runners are too focused to properly enjoy the view. So make some time to enjoy the city's prettiest bits by boat with a free river cruise.
How to claim: Present your medal at the City Cruise office on race day or the following Monday. Or book online using the voucher code marathonfree. Supporters can also get a 30 percent discount with the code marathon30.
22. Burger at HBR
What you get: Score a free burger at Belgravia joint HBR.
How to claim: The first 100 diners to present their medal on race day will get to pick a tasty freebie from its menu, whether classic or chicken.
23. Aussie-inspired breakfast at Fremantle
What you get: Run over to Docklands (or take the DLR, we’re not judging) for a post-race breakfast at Aussie-inspired spot Fremantle.
How to claim: Present your medal to get a free breakfast item with accompanying hot drink, coffee or matcha.
Getting ready to cheer on the runners this weekend? Check out our complete guide to the London Marathon
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