1 week Ago By Vicky Jessop
The London Marathon is almost upon us. 26.2 miles of gruelling tarmac await the shoes of around 56,000 runners, who will be taking a tour of some of the capital’s most recognisable landmarks in the name of raising money for charity.
For those weary competitors either gearing up for the big day, or celebrating post-run, a little pick-me-up can go a long way. Fortunately, London’s brands, restaurants and even our transport network have you covered. Here are some of the best deals for both runners and supporters to take advantage of as marathon-fever sweeps the capital city.
London restaurant Pastificio Al Dente will be serving all runners a free pasta dish between April 24 to 26: perfect for carb loading, or indeed, refuelling after the face. All runners will need to do is show proof of entry to claim it, and they’ll be able to choose from some of the chain’s best dishes, including Paccheri alla Boscaiola, Paccheri al Ragù, Penne Arrabbiata, and Penne al Pomodoro. Tasty.
Yes, it’s all about the runners – but supporters need a way to get around quickly to cheer on their loved ones. But Brompton has you sorted: just email [email protected] with the bib number of the person taking part, and receive a code that will sort complimentary Brompton bike hire for the full day. There’s a full list of Brompton hire stations in London listed here .
The perfect deal for after-race celebrations. The cocktail bar franchise Little Door are offering a free Crimes of Passion cocktail at their Violet, Scarlet and Orange door locations to anybody who shows up and presents their medal on the Sunday, April 27. Also, if you’re especially masochistic, show proof that you went to the house party they’re hosting the night before the marathon and you’ll get a complimentary disco sharing cocktail (sounds intriguing).
If that’s not enough, then head over to East London stalwart Kricket. They’re offering a free post-race beer or cocktail on Sunday (with a meal purchase) to those who can show a medal; the same applies to the Three Cheers Pub Company – which has nine pubs across Clapham, Battersea and Shepherd’s Bush, among other places. They’re offering medal-holders a free pint.
Cheers! Another chance to carb-load: the burger bar at The Table Southwark is offering a free burger to everybody who brings their medal to the café. It’s worth indulging – especially when you consider their special Brunch Burger (which includes two patties, fried egg, bacon, spicy mayo and a Bloody Mary ketchup) or indeed their veggie option, which swaps beef for sweet potatoes and herby mushrooms. Does it get better than a free pizza? No.
And Franco Manca is offering one up to all medal-holders on Sunday and Monday. Simply show the medal and get a pizza for free – but be warned, this only applies when you’re dining in. Unwind post-race with some high-tech tech courtesy of Gymshark, the cult athleisure brand.
They’re offering access to ice baths, massage guns and refreshments at their Regent Street outpost on Sunday, and all you need to do is register. Though do check timings on the day. If an ice bath doesn’t cut it, how about the chance to stretch those tired muscles with a bit of yoga? Triyoga is offering a free yoga class to everybody who finished the marathon – and even better, it can be done anytime over the course of May.
Simply book online with the code ‘2025Marathon’ and show your medal at the door to claim the freebie. It’s all very well dining your heart out, but if you want to save money then the London transport network has you covered. TfL is offering free travel on the tube, overground, DLR and London buses after the race on Sunday to anybody who shows their medal or runner number.
It ends at 6.30pm though, so be quick. Plus, Southeastern Rail is offering free travel before the race, via specific routes, to the starting location.
You’ll need to show your race number again, though only certain stations are valid..
