The 2025 New York City Marathon, the 54th edition of the annual race, is scheduled for Sunday, November 2nd. For participants and spectators alike, the marathon weekend is a vibrant hub of activity, featuring numerous events, pop-ups, and special offers. A wide array of businesses and cultural institutions across the city provide complimentary access, food, beverages, and other perks for runners presenting their race bib or finisher medal. This guide consolidates the available freebies and discounts, focusing on verified offers and official programs available to marathon participants.
Pre-Race Events and Pop-Ups
The festivities begin well before the starting gun. The NYC Marathon Expo, held at the Javits Center from October 30th through November 1st, is the primary hub for bib pickup and also features various samples and vendor activations. Specifically, runners who show their marathon bib at the Shokz Expo booth can obtain a PopUp Bagels coupon for three bagels and one schmear.
Several brands host dedicated pop-up experiences during the marathon weekend. Shopify, in collaboration with Endorphins, will operate a pop-up at 131 Greene Street from October 31st to November 3rd. This event offers shakeout runs, free medal engravings, and portraits. New Balance Run House, located at 214 Lafayette Street from October 31st to November 1st, provides a runner’s lounge, cafe, hair station, and photo moments for both runners and supporters. Paragon Sports, at 867 Broadway, offers free race shirt customization (participants must bring their own shirt or purchase one) from October 25th to November 1st, and medal engraving on November 2nd and 3rd. Harlem Run House, at 246 Malcolm X Boulevard, hosts shakeout runs, cheer stations, after parties, and medal engraving from November 1st to 3rd.
On Friday, October 31st, the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Opening Ceremony will feature a Parade of Nations and fireworks starting at 4 PM, with fireworks at 6:30 PM near Central Park West and 63rd Street. Nike also invites runners and spectators to join "Race 212" on Friday evening.
Cultural and Museum Perks
A significant initiative for 2025, "Beyond the Finish Line," is a partnership between NYRR and New York City's cultural institutions. This program provides marathon participants and their families with early access and special events at museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the American Museum of Natural History are all offering early access. The Met is also hosting a breakfast celebration. NYC Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo has encouraged participants to visit these partner organizations.
Beyond this program, additional museum and observation deck offers are available: - The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Offers a free Marathon Monday breakfast and private gallery tours. - Whitney Museum of American Art: Provides free admission for runners on November 3rd and a before-hours private tour. - American Museum of Natural History: Offers free general admission for marathon runners from November 2nd to November 9th, 2025, by presenting their medal at the museum ticket desks. - Intrepid Museum: Provides a free general admission ticket for any TCS NYC Marathon participant who shows their race bib or medal from October 30th to November 5th. They also offer a BOGO general admission ticket for family and friends using the promo code NYCRACE. - Top of the Rock: Offers free admission plus 25% off for up to three guests from October 30th to November 3rd for runners showing their bib. - Vessel & Edge: Provides complimentary access to all marathon participants who show their race bib or medal from October 30th to November 6th. Friends and family can use the promo code MARATHON20 for 20% off admission. - SUMMIT One Vanderbilt: Offers 20% discounted admission for runners and their family and friends, and hosts a Marathon Monday sunrise event. - One World Observatory, Jackie Robinson Museum, and SUMMIT One Vanderbilt are also noted as offering perks to finishers.
Food and Beverage Offers
A wide variety of food and beverage establishments provide complimentary items or discounts to runners who present their race bib or finisher medal. Offers are valid on specific dates, primarily on marathon day (November 2nd) or the following day (November 3rd).
Restaurants and Bakeries: - ShackBurger: Free ShackBurger on Sunday (November 2nd) by showing a marathon bib. - Gray’s Papaya: Free Recession Special (two hot dogs and a drink) on November 2nd at the 2090 Broadway location. - Breads Bakery: Free baguette on November 2nd when showing a medal at any location. - Westville: Free entree and drink on November 2nd when showing a medal at any location. - Van Leeuwen: Free scoop of ice cream on November 2nd or 3rd with a bib or medal at any location. - Culture Espresso: Free chocolate chip cookie on November 2nd or 3rd when showing a medal. - Conmigo: A Margarita, beer, or glass of wine for runners for the full week after the race (Upper East Side location only). - Bondi Sushi: Free BLISS BOX for runners with a medal from November 2nd to 9th (one per person). - Rosa Mexicano: Free frozen margarita on November 2nd only. - The Stand: Free Peroni with purchase of a pizza on November 2nd with a medal.
Cafes and Quick Service: - Pret A Manger: 50% off any hot or iced organic coffee through November 4th with a medal or bib. - Bananas NYC: Free sake shot or banana milkshake through November 10th with a bib, medal, or credentials. - Smoothie King: Free Loaded Toast on November 3rd (Medal Monday) when bringing a medal into any location.
Breweries and Bars: - Threes Brewing: Free pint of All or Nothing beer on November 2nd at both Gowanus and Greenpoint locations with a medal. - O Toole’s Way: Free pint for runners on November 2nd. - VUE180 Rooftop Bar: Free cocktail on November 2nd or 3rd with a medal. - Central Park Boat House: 10% off purchase at the Cafe on November 3rd with a medal.
Retail and Fitness Offers
Several retail stores and fitness studios offer products, services, or classes to marathon participants.
- The Vitamin Shoppe: Any 2025 NYC Marathon finisher can bring their medal into any Manhattan or Brooklyn location to receive a free protein bar of their choice from November 2nd to 5th.
- 305 Fitness: Marathon runners can get a free 305 class. To claim, participants should text "NYCFORFREEMARATHON" to 212-915-2308 before or after the race.
- Time Out Market: Offers 20% off drinks for marathon participants (more details are available on their website).
Additional Hydration and Celebration Events
- Vita Coco: Has hydration stations throughout the marathon route. At the PHD Terrace in Midtown, a post-race celebration is taking place with cocktails from the coconut water company.
- Hudson Yards: Is offering free admission until November 7th to the newly reopened Vessel and the 360-degree observation deck, Edge, with a race bib.
Important Considerations for Runners
It is crucial for participants to carefully review the terms of each offer. Most complimentary items require the physical presentation of the official 2025 NYC Marathon race bib or finisher medal. Offers are often valid only on specific dates, typically November 2nd (marathon day) and November 3rd (Marathon Monday), though some extend to the following week. Many restaurant offers are limited to specific locations, as noted (e.g., Gray’s Papaya at 1865 Broadway, Conmigo on the Upper East Side, and LES location for certain pop-ups). Friends and family can often participate in some offers, such as the 20% discount at Edge and Vessel using the promo code MARATHON20, or the BOGO offer at the Intrepid Museum with code NYCRACE. For the most current and detailed information, runners should consult the New York Road Runners website, as it is the primary source for a comprehensive list of rewards and partner offers.
Conclusion
The 2025 NYC Marathon offers a wealth of freebies and discounts that extend beyond the finish line, creating a city-wide celebration for runners. From pre-race pop-ups and museum access to complimentary meals, drinks, and retail items, the opportunities are diverse and numerous. To maximize these benefits, runners should plan ahead, note the specific dates and locations for each offer, and always carry their race bib or finisher medal to claim their perks. This extensive network of support from local businesses and cultural institutions enhances the overall marathon experience, rewarding participants for their significant athletic achievement.