The annual New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon are major sporting events that attract thousands of participants and spectators. Beyond the race itself, these events have become opportunities for local businesses, brands, and cultural institutions to offer special incentives to runners. This article compiles the freebies, discounts, and promotional offers available to participants of the 2025 New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon, based on information from promotional websites and event listings. The offers detailed below are primarily related to food, beverages, experiences, and wellness services, and eligibility typically requires proof of participation, such as a race bib or finisher medal.
New York City Marathon Freebies and Promotions
The 54th edition of the New York City Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, 2025. A variety of events and freebies are available to runners in the days leading up to and following the race. Many of these offers require participants to present their marathon bib or finisher medal to redeem them.
Pre-Race Events and Pop-Ups
Several multi-day pop-ups and events are scheduled around the marathon weekend. The NYC Marathon Expo at the Javits Center (October 30 – November 1) is a central location for bib pickup and samples. Specific offers at the expo include a coupon for three bagels and one schmear from PopUp Bagels, available by showing a marathon bib at the Shokz Expo booth.
Other pre-race pop-ups include: * Shopify x Endorphins NYC Marathon Pop-Up (October 31 - November 3): Located at 131 Greene St, this pop-up offers shakeout runs, free medal engravings, and portraits. * New Balance Run House (October 31 - November 1): At 214 Lafayette St, runners and supporters can access a runner’s lounge, cafe, hair station, and photo moment. * Paragon Sports (October 25 - November 1): Offering free race shirt customization (bring your own shirt or purchase one) and medal engraving (November 2-3) at 867 Broadway. * Harlem Run House (November 1 - 3): Located at 246 Malcolm X Blvd, this venue will host shakeout runs, cheer stations, after parties, and medal engraving.
On Friday, October 31, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Opening Ceremony will feature a Parade of Nations and fireworks starting at 4:00 PM on Central Park West & 63rd. Additionally, Nike will host "Race 212" on the same evening, an event open to both runners and cheerleaders.
Food and Beverage Offers
Multiple establishments in New York City are offering complimentary food and drinks to marathon participants. * ShackBurger: A free ShackBurger is available on Sunday (race day) by showing a marathon bib. * Vita Coco: Hydration stations will be available along the race route. A post-race celebration with cocktails from the coconut water company will take place at the PHD Terrace in Midtown. * Conmigo: Any runner visiting this Upper East Side Mexican restaurant during the full week after the race will receive a complimentary Margarita, beer, or glass of wine. * Time Out Market: Participants can get 20% off on drinks. * The Stand: With a medal, runners can receive a free Peroni with the purchase of a pizza on November 2. * Threes Brewing: A free pint of All or Nothing beer is offered on November 2 with a medal at both Gowanus and Greenpoint locations. * VUE180 Rooftop Bar: A free cocktail is available on November 2-3 with a medal. * Bananas NYC: A free sake shot or banana milkshake is offered through November 10 with a bib, medal, or credentials. * Pret A Manger: 50% off any hot or iced organic coffee is available through November 4 with a medal or bib. * Central Park Boat House: 10% off a purchase at the Cafe on November 3 is available with a medal.
Experiences and Admissions
Several cultural institutions and observation decks offer free or discounted admission to marathon finishers. * EDGE & Vessel: Free admission from October 30 – November 6 with a bib or medal. Friends and family can use the code MARATHON20 for 20% off admission. * The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Free Marathon Monday breakfast and private gallery tours are offered. * Whitney Museum of American Art: Free admission for runners on November 3, plus a before-hours private tour. * American Museum of Natural History: Free general admission for marathon runners. * SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: 20% discounted admission for runners and their family and friends, plus a Marathon Monday sunrise event. * Top of the Rock: Free admission plus 25% off for up to three guests. * Hudson Yards: Free admission until November 7 to the Vessel and the Edge observation deck with a race bib. * One World Observatory, Jackie Robinson Museum, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Perks are available for race completers, though specific details are not provided in the source material. * The Outsiders: A New Musical: 26.2% off select performances from October 31 to November 3.
Boston Marathon Freebies and Promotions
The Boston Marathon is a prestigious event, and local businesses in Boston offer various rewards to celebrate participants. Most offers require runners to show their bib or medal for verification.
Food and Beverage Offers
- Sullivan’s: This James Beard Classics-winning institution is offering free soft serve at both its Castle Island and Hanover locations on April 21 and 22.
- Monument Restaurant & Tavern: Located at 251 Main St in Charlestown, this restaurant will offer free garlic knots for finishers on Marathon Monday (April 21).
- Scobie’s: This Dorchester cafe (782 Adams St) is treating marathoners to a free Top Shelf Cookie Sundae from April 21-27.
- Van Leeuwen Ice Cream: Runners who bring their bib or finisher medal will receive one free scoop of ice cream from April 21-25. A special "Finish Line Fudge Sundae" is available from April 14-21, though the free scoop is a separate offer valid for a limited time.
- High Street Place Food Hall: Runners can receive $10 off food and drinks on Marathon Monday (April 21). Gift cards must be picked up at Wheelhouse inside the food hall by presenting a bib or finisher medal.
Wellness and Recovery Offers
- Remedy Place Boston: All registered marathoners receive 20% off Tech-Remedy reservations and Vitamin IV drips for the entire month of April.
- Release Well-Being Center (Release Boston): Boston Marathoners can receive a free CBD spot treatment enhancement with the purchase of a Deep Tissue massage. This offer is valid from April 21-25.
- Bliss (associated with Release Well-Being Center): Runners and their friends can enjoy extended access to Bliss facilities (contrast therapy, cold plunge tubs, saunas, etc.) for up to two hours instead of the usual one-hour complimentary access prior to treatments. This is also valid from April 21-25 at 28 Arlington Street.
Other Experiences and Discounts
- F1 Arcade: Athletes and volunteers can enjoy a day of F1 simulator racing at America’s first F1 Arcade. The promo is valid from April 21-May 26 on Mondays only, at 87 Pier 4 Blvd, Boston. Proof of participation is required, and one friend per guest is allowed subject to availability.
- Brave Daughters: From April 19-21, runners can buy a BOS charm and receive a free gold-fill or stainless steel cable bracelet.
Important Considerations for Participants
When seeking these offers, runners should be aware of several key points: * Proof of Participation: Nearly all offers require runners to show their official marathon bib or finisher medal. It is advisable to carry these items when visiting participating establishments. * Geographic and Temporal Restrictions: Offers are often limited to specific locations, dates, and times. For example, the Van Leeuwen free scoop is valid only from April 21-25, while the F1 Arcade promotion is only on Mondays. Always verify the details before traveling. * Availability and Terms: Some offers may be subject to availability, have restrictions (e.g., "toppings and upgrades not included" for the Van Leeuwen scoop), or require a purchase (e.g., the free bracelet with a charm purchase at Brave Daughters). Terms and conditions are not always detailed in the promotional material. * Source Reliability: The information presented here is aggregated from promotional websites and event listings. For the most current and accurate details, participants should consult the official New York Road Runners website for the NYC Marathon and official Boston Marathon resources, as well as the websites of the specific businesses offering the promotions.
Conclusion
Both the New York City Marathon and Boston Marathon extend beyond the race course, with a wide array of businesses and institutions offering complimentary products, services, and experiences to participants. From free food and drinks to discounted museum admissions and wellness treatments, these marathon freebies provide added value to the race day experience. Runners should carefully note the eligibility requirements, which primarily involve presenting a race bib or finisher medal, and be mindful of specific dates, locations, and potential limitations. To ensure the accuracy of these offers, participants are encouraged to verify details directly with the official event organizers and participating vendors.