London Marathon 2018: The best free food and drinks deals post-race

From pizza to sumptuous cocktails, here are the best freebies for marathon runners

Running a marathon is a true test of both your mental and physical strength.

As gruelling as the 26.2 miles will be for the runners taking part in the Virgin Money London Marathon this Sunday, the prospect of free food and drink at the finish line will no doubt give them the boost of motivation that they need to keep going right up until the very end.

A number of establishments are offering participants nourishment that’s free of charge when they present their finisher’s medal.

Here are the best deals on offer on Sunday for runners to indulge in as they celebrate their monumental achievement of taking part in one of the most renowned marathons in the world:

Pizza

Pizza’s always a winner, especially for athletes who have just endured hours of agonising exercise.

Bunga Bunga Battersea is offering all London Marathon runners a free pizza on both Sunday April 22 and Monday April 23.

Famed sourdough pizzeria Franco Manca is similarly giving runners the opportunity to gorge on delicious pizza on the day of the marathon and the day after across all of its 33 London branches.

For those who fancy something slightly different, Kurobuta on King’s Road and in Marble Arch is providing marathon finishers with their signature tuna sashimi pizza, in addition to a free beverage of either wine, beer or kombucha.

Pasta

For runners who prefer pasta to pizza, then head to Pastaio in Soho for some deliciously homemade pasta at no cost.

By Chloe in Covent Garden, which boasts an entirely vegan menu, is also offering runners a complimentary bowl of post-race pasta, with gluten-free options available upon request.

Burgers

As the runners cross the London Marathon finish line opposite Buckingham Palace, many will no doubt be dreaming of treating themselves to a sumptuous burger.

Maxwell’s in Covent Garden is offering all runners a free burger and fries until 11pm on the day of the race, with a 25 per cent discount for anyone who worked as a volunteer during the event.

If you head to Blues Kitchen, which has branches of its restaurant in Camden, Shoreditch and Brixton, you can take your pick from The Cheeseburger, The Spicy Chicken Sandwich or The Creole Bean Burger for free.

For a burger that’s undeniably saucy, Mac & Wild in Fitzrovia is giving all runners who present their medal a free ‘Veni-Moo’ burger, which contains a beef patty, venison patty, cheese, béarnaise and caramelised onions served on a brioche bun.

Roast

For many, a Sunday isn’t complete without a traditional roast meal.

Lady Abercorn’s Pub & Kitchen, which is situated at Andaz London Liverpool Street, is serving all racegoers a free roast, as long as they dine with a non-marathon runner as well.

All roasts served at the restaurant include bottomless Yorkshire puddings, crispy roast potatoes and a generous amount of gravy.

Kebab

For marathon participants who love the sound of a delicious kebab to satisfy their taste buds after hours spent on their feet, then they can look no further than BaBaBoom.

BaBaBoom in Clapham Junction is offering finishers a free Middle Eastern kebab when they come into the restaurant on Sunday or Monday with their medal.

Drinks

Runners are advised to abstain from drinking alcohol while training for a race, so what better way to mark the astounding feat of taking part in the London Marathon than by enjoying a celebratory tipple.

Skylon in the Royal Festival Hall on Southbank is giving all medal holders a complimentary drink on the day.

If you head to Sophie’s Steakhouse & Bar in Soho with your medal, you’ll be treated to one of their signature martinis.

For runners particularly fond of bubbly, Salsa! Temple is giving all medal holders a complimentary glass of prosecco or a soft drink post-race in addition to a 50 per cent discount off main meals all day.

Bluebird in Chelsea will have its outdoor terrace open where you can sit with a free beverage in hand.

All eight branches of Three Cheers pubs in London is giving marathon finishers the option to choose from a pint of beer, a 175ml glass of house red or white wine, a 125ml glass of prosecco, a house spirit and mixer or a soft drink for free.

Hippo Inns pub, which also has eight branches across the capital, will similarly have free pints or glasses of house wine on offer on Sunday for those who have conquered the London Marathon.