London Marathon 2019 Complete Guide To Free Food Drinks And Perks For Runners

The London Marathon is renowned as one of the world's most prestigious running events, but it also offers participants an array of complimentary rewards beyond the finish line. Marathon runners can enjoy numerous freebies from restaurants, bars, and service providers across London. The marathon medal serves as a key to unlocking these rewards, which include everything from hearty meals and refreshing beverages to practical transportation benefits. This comprehensive guide details all the free offers available to London Marathon runners in 2019, helping participants maximize their post-race celebration and recovery.

Free Food Offers

Restaurant Chains and Their Special Offers

London Marathon runners can enjoy complimentary meals at numerous restaurant chains across the city. These offers typically require participants to present their marathon medal at participating locations.

Franco Manca

Runners can receive a free pizza at any Franco Manca restaurant on the Sunday of the race or the Monday following the event. This popular pizza chain has multiple locations throughout London, making it convenient for runners to claim their reward after completing the marathon.

The Real Greek

The Real Greek has been providing free meals to London Marathon runners for several years. In 2019, runners could enjoy a free Greek Plate, with vegan options available. This offer is typically valid for dine-in customers at any branch, including those outside London. The nearest location to the marathon route is in Covent Garden.

MEATLiquor

MEATLiquor offers a free burger to runners at any of their nine London locations on race day. The menu includes both vegetarian and vegan options. The nearest restaurant to the marathon route is MEATLiquor W1 on Margaret Street, near Oxford Circus. The offer also extends to those who volunteered at the London Marathon, who can present their volunteer badge instead of a medal.

Bill's

Bill's restaurant chain provides runners with a free burger and a drink. The drink options include Peroni, Lucky Saint, an Aperol Spritz, or a soft drink. This offer is available at any of Bill's London branches, with the four closest to the marathon route located in Soho, Covent Garden, Victoria, and Clink Street (Bankside). The offer also extends to London Marathon volunteers.

London Brasseries

London Brasseries operates five central London restaurants that offer free meals to marathon runners. Participants can choose between a delicious burger or steak frites at Palm Court by simply showing their medal. The participating locations include Old Compton, Maxwell's Bar & Grill, Palm Court, Boulevard Brasserie, and PJ's Chelsea Brasserie. The nearest branches - Old Compton, Maxwell's Bar & Grill, and Palm Court - are all approximately an 18-minute walk from the finish line.

Mac & Wild

Scottish restaurant chain Mac & Wild offers all marathon medal holders a free Wild Bowl. The options include the Wild Salmon Bowl, the Wild Vegan Pulse Bowl, and the Wild Venison Bowl. These complimentary meals are available at Mac & Wild's Fitzrovia location (65 Great Titchfield Street, W1W 7PS) and Devonshire Square location (9A Devonshire Square, EC2M 4YN) on the Monday following the race.

Heliot Steak House

A new addition for 2019, Heliot Steak House offers runners a free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak or Claire Heliot Burger on either race day or the Monday after. Located at the Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square, this venue is a short walk from the marathon finish line.

Leon

For carb-loading and re-loading, Leon offers free lunch boxes on both Saturday and Sunday before the marathon. The options include Black cardamon chicken korma, Moroccan meatballs, Brazilian black beans, or a satay chicken box. This offer is available from 11am until closing while stocks last. Runners can claim the promotion via the LEON Club app using the code LEONMARATHON. With over 60 branches in London, Leon has multiple convenient locations, with the nearest to the finish being on the Strand, a 14-minute walk from the finish line.

Other Notable Food Offers

Additional food freebies available to marathon runners include: - A bowl of pasta from Pastaio - A free Argentinian Steak from all London Gaucho restaurants - A free signature burger from Maxwell's Bar and Grill in Covent Garden - A free Claire Heliot burger from Heliot Steak House at the Hippodrome in Leicester Square - A free SushiDog, Bowl or Salad from all stores - A free Boulevard Hamburger from Boulevard Brasserie - A free Classic Steak Frites from Palm Court - A free Greek Plate from any The Real Greek - A free Smash burger from Burger and Lobster

Free Drink Offers

Bars and Pubs

Marathon runners can quench their thirst with complimentary beverages at numerous bars and pubs across London:

Warehouse Bar

On the Sunday of race weekend, Warehouse Bar in Seven Dials Market offers a free pint of Gipsy Hill's carbon negative beer. This eco-friendly option allows runners to refresh themselves while supporting the environment.

Green King Pubs

All London Green King pubs offer a free drink to marathon medal holders, providing a convenient option for runners to celebrate their achievement.

Three Cheers Pub Co

Runners can enjoy a free pint at any of the Three Cheers Pub Co locations across London.

Market Place Food Hall

Located in Vauxhall, Market Place Food Hall offers a free pint of beer to marathon runners.

The Ivy

For those celebrating in style, The Ivy offers a free glass of bubbles to marathon medal holders.

Piccadillys Fowl

This establishment provides free Margaritas to marathon runners looking to enjoy a post-race cocktail.

Kricket

All of Kricket's London sites offer a free drink to marathon participants, allowing runners to sample their unique culinary offerings.

Bluebird Chelsea

Bluebird Chelsea offers free signature cocktails to marathon medal holders, including options like the King's Road Cocktail (a mix of Cointreau, rose syrup, lemon juice, and champagne) and the Fast Lane (featuring Hennnessy VS cognac and Dalmore 12).

Bill's Restaurants

In addition to free burgers, Bill's restaurants offer runners a choice of complimentary beverages, including Peroni, Lucky Saint, an Aperol Spritz, or a soft drink.

Practical Perks and Benefits

Transportation

One of the most valuable freebies for marathon runners is complimentary transportation on race day:

TfL Services

Runners can enjoy free travel on London Underground, Overground, DLR, and buses until 6:30pm on race day. To take advantage of this offer, runners need to show their bib number when boarding. This benefit allows participants to easily navigate the city without worrying about transportation costs after the physically demanding race.

Southeastern Rail Service

Additional free travel is available on parts of the Southeastern rail service. Runners can travel for free on routes departing from London Bridge, Cannon Street, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, and Victoria to get to the start areas. As with TfL services, participants simply need to display their bib number when boarding.

Other Perks

SunGod Marathon After-Party

SunGod hosts a marathon after-party at 28 Henrietta Street, less than 20 minutes from the finish line. Participants can enjoy free post-race massages, tote bags, beer (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options), and pizza. This comprehensive recovery package offers multiple ways for runners to relax and celebrate their achievement.

Tracksmith London Store

Located on Chiltern Street in Marylebone, Tracksmith's London store offers marathon runners a commemorative race poster stamped with their finish time. While visiting, runners can also explore the store's range of limited-edition London Marathon merchandise, which serves as a useful souvenir from the race.

Claiming Your Freebies: Tips and Guidelines

Presentation Requirements

To claim most of these offers, runners need to present their marathon medal. Some venues may also accept volunteer badges for those who assisted with the event. It's advisable to carry the medal throughout race day and the following Monday to maximize the number of freebies available.

Booking and Availability

For certain offers, booking in advance is recommended:

• Bill's restaurants allow runners to book a table online to guarantee their spot, though they also accept walk-ins based on availability.

Time Restrictions

Some offers have specific time limitations:

• Most restaurant offers are valid only on race day or the Monday following the marathon.
• TfL free travel is available until 6:30pm on race day.
• Leon's free lunch boxes are available from 11am until closing while stocks last on Saturday and Sunday before the marathon.

Location Considerations

While many offers are available at multiple locations, some are restricted to specific branches. It's helpful to identify the nearest participating venues to the marathon route or finish line to make the most of these opportunities:

• Franco Manca: Multiple locations, with free pizza available on Sunday or Monday
• The Real Greek: Nearest branch in Covent Garden
• MEATLiquor: Nine London branches, with W1 on Margaret Street being closest to the route
• Bill's: Four branches closest to the route in Soho, Covent Garden, Victoria, and Clink Street
• London Brasseries: Five central London locations, with three nearest branches about an 18-minute walk from the finish
• Mac & Wild: Fitzrovia and Devonshire Square locations
• Heliot Steak House: Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square
• Leon: Over 60 London branches, with the nearest on the Strand
• Warehouse Bar: Seven Dials Market
• SunGod: 28 Henrietta Street
• Tracksmith: Chiltern Street in Marylebone

Conclusion

The London Marathon offers participants more than just a challenging running experience; it provides numerous opportunities to celebrate achievement with a wide array of free food, drinks, and practical benefits. From hearty meals at restaurant chains to refreshing beverages at local pubs and convenient transportation options, these rewards add value to the marathon experience. By presenting their medals, runners can access these complimentary offers across London, making their post-race celebration both enjoyable and economical. With careful planning and awareness of the various offers available, marathon participants can maximize their freebie experience and fully enjoy the festivities surrounding this prestigious event.

Sources

1. Here's the Free Stuff You Can Get With Your London Marathon Medal
2. London Marathon Freebies
3. London Marathon: Where to Grab Free Food and Drink
4. You Can Get All of This Free Food and Drink With Your London Marathon Medal