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On your marks, set, go. On Sunday, April 27, more than 56,000 runners are expected to cross the finish line of the world-famous London Marathon.
But before you lace up your trainers for the big day, there’ll no doubt be hours’ worth of planning dedicated to when you’ll be fuelling yourself, where you’ll be meeting friends and family, and what you’ll be eating afterwards.
And while you’ll likely be buoyed by your sense of achievement once you’ve crossed the finish line, it’s also worth seeking out a freebie or two. Come on, you’ve earned it.
Luckily, countless brands will be coming through for London Marathon runners this weekend – and there’s everything from bath bombs to pasta and even free transport on offer.
Pasta for carb loading at Pastaio Soho
Carb loading is always essential the night before a race, and runners of the London Marathon are being offered free pasta at one iconic spot in Soho to help them prepare for those 26.2 miles.
On Saturday, April 26, Puresport will be giving 50 Marathon runners at Pastaio Soho a carby meal completely free of charge. That’s right: it won’t cost you a penne.
You’ll just need to turn up between 3.35pm and 5.45pm for an early dinner – but be sure to sign up via Puresport’s Instagram page first to secure your place.
Pizza at Franco Manca
Pizza chain Franco Manca has got all bases covered for those running the London, Leeds and Exeter Marathons (the latter two are taking place on May 11).
Simply show your 2025 finisher medal and you’ll be gifted with a gorgeous sourdough pizza, completely free.
You needn’t claim it on the day either, as it’s also valid on Monday, April 27. There’s no comfort quite like carbs, right?
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Bubbly goodness at Lush
It’s not just free food on the cards.
Lush is fully embracing World Bath Bomb Day (which falls on the same day as the London Marathon), as it’ll be giving runners two products to get lathered up with after those 26.2 miles.
The Cold Water Soother Epsom salt cube and the After magnesium solid massage oil bar will be on offer for medal-holders across Lush’s stores in Covent Garden, Paddington, Waterloo, and Victoria.
3 ways to stay motivated during the London Marathon
Remember your ‘why’
Christian Allen is the product expert at Runners Need. He previously told Metro that while race day can be ’emotional’, runners still need to stay focused – and many of them raise money for charity during training, which can be a great motivator.
He said: ‘If there comes a point in the race when you’re struggling to continue, my number one tip is to try to remember why you signed up to take part in the first place.
‘Are you raising money for charity? Or perhaps you wanted to improve your fitness levels and see what your body is capable of?’
Enjoy the atmosphere
The London marathon course is lined with people cheering, singing and performing – soaking it all in will keep you going.
Christian said: ‘Big race events can sometimes feel like a mini festival or event. Often there are musicians and drummers around the course, not to mention swarms of supporters.’
Write your name on your running top
Christian said: ‘Nothing gives you a motivational boost like hearing strangers in the crowd cheering you on during the race.’
You can use cheap iron-on transfers or use a good old black felt-tip pen to make sure people know who you are.
You’ll have a few days to claim your soapy goods too, as the offer will be in place between Sunday, April 27 and Wednesday, April 30.
Free TfL travel
To get around London for free on the bus, underground, overground or DLR on race day, show your bib, medal, or officials pass to a member of TfL staff.
After all, you won’t want to do any more steps once you’ve crossed that finish line.
The service will run until 6.30pm on Sunday throughout the capital.
A burger and a drink at Bill’s
Did you know that a low-alcoholic beer is actually a very good way to replenish your salts after a long run?
This Marathon weekend, Bill’s is partnering with Coke, Peroni, Lucky Saint and Aperol Spritz to gift both a free burger and a drink to those who’ve crossed the finish line.
Simply show your medal (or your volunteer pass) at Bill’s in London Bridge, Covent Garden, Greenwich, Kingston, Richmond, Wimbledon, Baker Street, Victoria, or Soho.
Recovery yoga with Live Yoga Teacher
After pushing your body that hard, a gentle three-day yoga course is exactly what you need.
Live Yoga Teacher will be offering three livestream recovery yoga classes. Yoga Teacher for Runners, Yanar Alkayat, has run six marathons herself – and will be hosting sessions on April 28, April 29, and April 30.
To claim your spot, fill in the form on the website and provide a snap of you either at the finish line or your Jersey number.
A swim at Brockwell Lido or Park Road Leisure
The last thing you might want to do after completing 26.2 miles is to think about moving your body even more – but a swim can do absolute bits for your recovery, particularly muscle soreness.
With this ethos in mind, Fusion Lifestyle is offering London Marathon runners a free swim at either Brockwell Lido (in Brixton) or Park Road Leisure (in Crouch End).
All you’ll need to do is show your race confirmation information – and if you fancy it, you can claim a pre-marathon swim instead, as the offer is running from now until Sunday, May 4.
If you’re lucky enough to be a South Londoner, you’ll also be granted access to the brand-new outdoor saunas, too.
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