NYC MARATHON Freebies & Events

The 2025 New York City Marathon is the 54th edition of the annual marathon race in New York City, scheduled on Sunday November 2nd. There are so many events and freebies for runners both before and after the race.

If you aren’t running, highly recommend you cheer on the big day! For cheering, some of the most fun spots are UES & Brooklyn!

BEFORE THE RACE: SHAKEOUT RUNS, POP-UPS AND MORE:

Multi-Day

  • NYC Marathon Expo: at Javits Center (bib pick up, samples, etc.) (Oct 30 – Nov 1)

    • Show your marathon bib at the Shokz Expo booth to grab a PopUp Bagels coupon for 3 bagels + 1 schmear!

  • Shopify x Endorphins NYC Marathon Pop-Up (October 31 - Nov 3): Enjoy shakeout runs, free medal engravings, portraits and more (Shopify NY at 131 Greene St)

  • New Balance Run House (Oct 31 - Nov 1): Runners and supporters can get race day ready with a runner’s lounge, cafe, hair station, photo moment and more (214 Lafayette St)

  • Paragon Sports: Free Race Shirt Customization (October 25 - November 1) Come by and get your name on your race shirt: bring your own or purchase one (867 Broadway) + Medal Engraving (November 2 - 3)

  • Harlem Run House (November 1 - 3): Shakeout runs, cheer stations, after parties and medal engraving (246 Malcom X Blvd)

Friday, October 31:

  • NYRR Opening Ceremony: Parade of Nations & fireworks Friday starting 4pm, fireworks 6:30pm (CPW & 63rd)

  • Nike Race 212: Whether you’re running or cheering, when the sun sets on Friday of marathon weekend, Race 212 takes flight and Nike invites you to join us. From skyline views to DJs, giveaways, food, and more — let’s celebrate the city that never stops moving.

Saturday, Nov 1:

Sunday, Nov 2:

CHEER ZONES & SPECTATOR EVENTS DURING THE RACE:

  • Mile 8: Mastercard Cheer Zone ft. live music, free swag, and reserved seating for fans to cheer on runners with front-row energy

  • Mile 11: Electrolit Cheer Zone at FINI Pizza, Williamsburg: Keep hydrated with refreshing Electrolit, savor your favorite pizza slices (for purchase), and enjoy a DJ from 8am-3pm (305 Bedford Ave)

  • Mile 12: Tracksmith Cheer Zone (905 Lorimer Street)

  • Mile 14: Cheer Station with lululemon (11-11 44th Dr, Queens)

  • Mile 16: Mastercard Cheer Zone ft. live music, free swag, and reserved seating for fans to cheer on runners with front-row energy

  • Mile 19: Race Day Cheer Zone x OMRC at Mile 19 

  • Mile 19: Charity Cheer Zone, First Avenue and 120th Street (Miles 19-20)

  • Helium Mobile Helium Mobile Marathon of Free Pizza Bagels in Williamsburg: Free pizza bagels, a live DJ, sign-making, and good vibes. (265 Union Ave)

  • Skinny Louie: Forget the finisher medals this year, Skinny Louie is rewarding the real MVPs of the NYC Marathon: the fans. Skinny Louie is hitting the sidelines on Marathon Sunday (Nov. 2) with 250 “Burger Medals”  tokens that spectators can swap for a free Single Cheeseburger at their NoMad shop through Nov. 16. They’ll be posted up along the Central Park stretch.

  • Fun general cheering spots: UES, Downtown Brooklyn/Fort Greene, Williamsburg, and Central Park (*not finish line)

AFTER THE RACE:

Free Medal Engraving:

Free Food:

  • Shake Shack (November 2): Free ShackBurger with their bib at all New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut Shake Shack locations on Sunday

  • Levain Bakery (November 2): Free cookie on Sunday (UWS or 74th St locations)

  • Van Leeuwen (November 2 - 3): Free scoop with bib or medal (any location)

  • The Vitamin Shoppe (November 2–5): Any 2025 NYC Marathon finisher can bring their medal into any The Vitamin Shoppe location in Manhattan or Brooklyn to receive a free protein bar of their choice

  • Gray’s Papaya (November 2): Free Recession Special (2 hot dogs + drink) (2090 Broadway)

  • Breads Bakery (November 2): Show your medal and receive a baguette at any Breads location

  • Westville (November 2): Show your medal and receive a free entree & drink at any Westville location

  • Culture Espresso (November 2 or 3): Show your medal and receive a free chocolate chip cookie

  • Bondi Sushi (November 2 - 9): Free BLISS BOX for runners with medal (one per person!)

Free Drinks:

  • Rosa Mexicano Free Margarita (November 2): Free frozen margarita, day of marathon only

  • Free Beer at Threes Brewing (November 2): Threes Brewing Gowanus + Greenpoint is rewarding marathon finishers with a free pint

  • O Toole’s Way (November 2): Free pint for runners

  • Smoothie King Medal Monday (November 3): Participants can bring their medal into any Smoothie King location to receive a free Loaded Toast. The best part? This promo is available for all race finishers nationwide – from the 5k you ran five years ago to the marathon you just finished yesterday – bring in any race medal to receive the Medal Monday Promo.

Free Recovery:

  • Prehab NYC: Bring in your medal anytime during the week after the marathon (starting November 3rd) for complimentary compression boots, k-laser therapy, cupping, and self-myofascial release tools! No reservation required, first come first serve as available! (109 W 38th St, 4th Floor)

Free Events:

  • Aveeno x Amazon Marathon Healing Journey (November 2): Celebrate the NYC Marathon with a post-race refresh featuring samples of Aveeno's skin relief healing ointment, interactive games and a complimentary oat-milk hot chocolate bar.

  • The UES (November 2): NYC Marathon Mixer with complimentary prosecco and ice cream (5pm-late)

  • NYC Finisher Portraits with Runna (November 2): Bring your medal, celebration jacket, and smile to the Runna Race Hub for custom finisher portraits by Runna's professional photographer! (1865 Broadway)

Free Admission or Classes:

  • Top of the Rock Complimentary Admission (October 30 - Nov 3): 2025 NYC Marathon Runners can get free admission to Top of the Rock with bibs, plus 25% off up to 3 guests.

  • Vessel & EDGE Complimentary Admission (October 30 - Nov 6): complimentary access to all marathon participants who show their race bib or medal from 10/30-11/6. Friends, family, and spectators can also join in the celebration with 20% off admission to Edge and Vessel using the promo code MARATHON20.

  • American Museum of Natural History Complimentary Admission (November 2 - 9): Marathon runners receive free General Admission to the American Museum of Natural History from November 2 to 9, 2025, by showing their medal at the museum ticket desks upon entry.

  • Whitney Museum of American Art (November 3): The Whitney Museum of American Art is offering complimentary admission to all runners on Marathon Monday (November 3). Participants should present their bib or medal at the Visitor Member Desk in exchange for one free ticket.

  • Intrepid Museum (October 30 - November 5): FREE general admission ticket for any TCS New York City Marathon participant who shows their race bib or medal on site at the museum box office. Plus, use code NYCRACE to get BOGO general admission tickets for family and friends

  • 305 Fitness: Marathon runners can get a free 305 class! Text them by saying NYCFORFREEMARATHON to 212-915-2308 to claim a free 305 class before or after you run!