The 44th edition of the London Marathon will take place today, with around 50,000 runners, both amateur and professional, running 42 kilometers through the capital.
With competitors training for months, a marathon is considered one of the ultimate athletic tests of endurance, mental toughness and bravery.
To give runners that extra boost as they approach the finish line, a host of brands and restaurants are offering a variety of free items and meals.
This will aim to help competitors in both their preparation and recovery from the arduous race.
Keep reading below to see the best London Marathon discounts ahead of the 2024 race.
Thousands of runners cross Tower Bridge during the 2023 edition of the London Marathon
1. Ice baths
In partnership with leading sportswear brand Gymshark, Lumi Therapy is offering all race finishers a complimentary ice bath on the day of the event to help with their post-race recovery.
If you’re brave enough to take the plunge into something that professional athletes consider a routine recovery process, you can do so at Gymshark’s flagship store, located at 165 Regent Street, W1S 3BE.
2. electric bike hire
Moving on to an offer that could be useful to spectators, e-bike company Brompton is offering spectators free bike hire all day on Sunday, allowing them to watch the action from a number of different vantage points around the city.
Spectators can claim the offer by emailing brompton@wearetheromans.com, along with the bib number of a friend or family member who is competing to gain access to a code for a free Brompton bike rental.
3. Lush massage oil
Cosmetics company Lush is giving away a Cold Water Soother Epsom Salt Cube and Wiccy Magic Muscles Solid Massage Oil to soothe any lingering soreness in sore muscles after a run.
You can claim yours at the following London branches (Oxford Street, Paddington Station, Waterloo Station and Victoria Station) by showing your medal to staff between 21 and 28 April.
4. Protein shakes
Although a boot camp class won’t be on any marathon runner’s agenda after the race, Barry’s SW1 studio, located at Victoria Station, will be hosting a London Marathon after-party on Sunday afternoon until 5 p.m
Barry’s SW1 studio, located next to Victoria Station, will be handing out free protein shakes to help runners recover by showing off their medal (File Image)
In addition to free entry, finalists will receive a free protein shake to aid their recovery when displaying their medal.
5. Homemade pasta
In addition to enjoying a large meal to replenish calories burned after the race, runners are often advised to eat large meals the night before to have enough energy for the race itself.
With this in mind, pasta bar Notto is offering runners a free cacio e pepe pasta dish from April 19 to 20, which they can redeem at their Covent Garden restaurant at 4 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8PS.
You can also head to Pastaio for another free plate of pasta after the race.
They offer free pasta to London Marathon finishers on race day, at their Soho location (19 Ganton Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN).
6. Travel on TfL
As in previous years, TfL is making it easier for participants to get to and from the race by offering free travel.
London Marathon runners can take advantage of free travel on London Underground and Overground services, as well as DLR and London buses.
Please note that the free service will not operate all day and will end at 6:30 pm on the day of the marathon.
London Marathon runners can take advantage of free travel on London Underground and Overground services, as well as DLR and London buses. The free service will operate until 6:30 pm on the day of the marathon (File image)
Please plan ahead as strikes on national rail services may affect your journey.
Aslef members will work under the prohibition of overtime during the weekend, from April 19 to 20.
As a result, if you are traveling to London from the North East, there is a reduced service and you may experience cancellations.
7. Head to The Hippodrome for a free steak or burger.
The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square has a tempting two-day offer waiting for London Marathon runners.
If you eat there on April 21 or 22, you can enjoy a free Argentinian rib eye steak for a welcome boost of protein after a tiring day.
Upstairs in the same location, its Rooftop restaurant offers finishers a free Claire Heliot burger, leaving marathon-running carnivores spoiled for choice.
8. Complimentary glass of champagne
If you want to enjoy a post-marathon meal in a more glamorous setting, why not head to any of The Ivy’s branches across London?
If you want to enjoy a post-marathon meal in a more glamorous setting, why not head to any of The Ivy’s branches across London? (File image)
Runners will be able to enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to toast their success at any of their restaurants on marathon day.
9. Enjoy a post-marathon cheat meal with a kebab
If you were looking forward to ditching a strict marathon diet after the end of the race, why not treat yourself to a free cheat meal at Kebhouze?
The establishment will be giving away complimentary kebabs to London Marathon finishers on April 21, while also rewarding fans with a discount.
If you cheered them on from start to finish, you can enjoy a 26% discount by entering the code ‘RUN26’ when prompted at the store’s self-checkout machines.
10. Free dinner at Franco Manca
By showing your 2024 London Marathon medal at any Franco Manca restaurant – not just those located in London – you can get any pizza from their main menu and specials board for free on April 21 or 22.
This offer is only valid if you dine at one of their locations, excluding takeout, phone pickup, order and pickup, and home delivery.
Additional ingredients will be charged and you will not be able to use this offer in conjunction with any other offer, such as the Franco Manca Loyalty Program.
11. Claim a complimentary Bill’s burger
The restaurant chain is offering London Marathon runners a free burger and drink at its 11 locations in the capital this weekend, and the offer will be valid from the day of the Marathon until April 22.
12. Maxwells
The Covent Garden restaurant is another venue that will offer London Marathon participants free burgers on the house.
SushiDog is set to offer runners free meals, allowing participants to choose between their rolls, bowls or salads on marathon day at all its London locations (File Image)
They can be found at 34 King St, London WC2E 8JG.
13. Complimentary Ramen at Tonkotsu
Ramen lovers can claim a free bowl at any of Tonkotsu’s restaurants in London.
If you plan to celebrate with someone who has been spectating in support, you can also claim a free drink so you can celebrate together.
14. SushiDog
Last but not least, SushiDog will be offering runners free meals, allowing participants to choose from their rolls, bowls or salads on marathon day at all of their London locations.