The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is taking over NYC on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and while running 26.2 miles across all five boroughs is no small feat, crossing that finish line comes with some pretty sweet perks.
From freebies and food deals to exclusive discounts at NYC restaurants, bars, and attractions, marathon runners have plenty of ways to celebrate their accomplishment without splurging their hard-earned cash.
Whether you’re planning to flash your marathon medal, show your race bib, or simply enjoy a well-deserved treat after months of training, we’ve rounded up the NYC spots offering special deals for marathon runners.
Keep that medal handy, because your post-race victory lap around the city could come with some serious savings!
Oh, and don’t forget that NYC is giving away 350 free grandstand tickets to watch runners cross the finish line! Enter the lottery now through Monday, October 26.
HOKA is showing up for the NYC Marathon with a stacked calendar of events and pop-ups you can take part in:
- October 30 – October 31: HOKA Fly Station
- Head to 96 N 5th Street in Brooklyn for the HOKA Fly Station. Enjoy curated listening experiences and live DJ sets, immersive product exploration, panel conversations, local bites, onsite customization, and more
- October 30 – November 1 | 10 am–7 pm: Old Friend Photobooth
- HOKA is taking over the Williamsburg location of Old Friend Photobooth (243 Berry Street), with free photos for all! Photobooth users will also be treated to a discount redeemable in-store at the new HOKA Williamsburg location opening this fall
Free protein bars from The Vitamin Shoppe
Following the race, every The Vitamin Shoppe location in NYC will be offering NYC Marathon finishers a free protein bar of their choice from November 2–6.
Runners can simply stop by a participating store, show their marathon medal, and refuel after completing 26.2 miles.
In addition, The Vitamin Shoppe will host a special post-marathon recovery experience at its East 86th Street location (Nov. 12, 9am-5pm), giving runners the opportunity to recover and recharge with:
- Recovery support powered by Therabody, featuring massage guns, vibration chairs, red light therapy, and more
- Assisted Theragun massages
- Expert guidance from physical therapists from Bespoke Physical Therapy, including tips for post-race recovery and maintaining an active lifestyle
Runner-friendly stays and packages at various NYC hotels
NYC hotels are stepping up with runner-friendly stays and packages designed to support athletes before and after the finish line.
With offerings ranging from in-room recovery essentials, dining credits, and late checkout, these properties are going the extra mile for Marathon runners:
- Merchant LES: Book the Marathon Weekend at Merchant LES package that pairs race-weekend accommodations with wellness, nutrition, and dining perks–think: 15% off your stay, a lineup of runner-friendly perks from wellness and nutritional partners, and more
- Freehand New York: Designed for race day and beyond, the stay includes breakfast for two from the hotel’s on-site cafe, a surprise runner-approved welcome amenity including electrolyte packs and energy bars, and late check out
- Kixby Hotel: The property’s NYC Marathon Package includes priority early check-in, a Marathon Recovery Gift Bag packed with recovery essentials, and a $25 food & beverage credit for refueling at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer
Free tattoos at Hustle Butter
New York-born tattoo aftercare brand Hustle Butter is celebrating the city’s ultimate hustlers in the most permanent way possible: FREE flash tattoos for NYC Marathon finishers, because 26.2 miles deserves more than just a medal!
Here’s how to claim your post-race ink:
- Bring your NYC Marathon bib + medal
- Head to Hustle Butter
- Choose from a selection of marathon-inspired flash tattoos
You can get inked from November 2 through November 4.
Special Marathon dinner menus at the New York Marriott Marquis
Whether you’re carb-loading for race day or celebrating crossing the finish line, runners and supporters can make the New York Mariott Marquis part of their New York City Marathon weekend plans.
From Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1, both Broadway Lounge and Revel & Rye will offer special marathon dinner menus, adding a hearty spin on comfort food. Think: Marathon Power Pasta with herb-grilled chicken and basil pesto or rigatoni topped with slow-braised beef ragu and whipped ricotta.
Reservations and more details can be found here.
Complimentary recovery brunch at Magic Hour
Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge is supporting and celebrating runners both before and after the race.
Deviating from the typical pasta for carb loading, Magic Hour is instead offering 50% off Super Stack Pancakes at brunch for any runners who show their marathon registration on Saturday, October 31.
At 10 pancakes tall, the Super Stack is large enough to share, with flavors including Cotton Candy, Bananas Foster, Blueberries, and Apple Compote.
Following the race on Sunday, November 1, runners are invited to celebrate their accomplishments at the 26.2 Recovery Brunch and enjoy one complimentary brunch entrée, alongside their choice of a Magic Mimosa or cold-pressed juice, when they present their race bib or finisher medal.
Free treats, sign-making stations, & “Marathoners’ Zone 1” priority boarding at Delta
Delta is offering support for runners and race-day attendees at JFK and LGA. Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-Marathon | Oct. 29–30 | Starting at noon, while supplies last near baggage claim:
- Marathon Essentials: Runners and travelers can stop by to pick up little treats to fuel up for the race, whether they’re taking on the marathon or cheering on runners along the route
- Sign-Making Stations: Friends, family, and fellow marathon watchers can create signs to cheer on runners before the race so no one needs to bring or buy materials
- Post-Marathon | Nov. 1–2
- On all Delta departures at JFK and LGA, marathon runners will enjoy “Marathoners’ Zone 1” priority boarding, with gate announcements recognizing their accomplishment
Interactive experiences, programming, and special guests at Club CELSIUS
Located just steps from the marathon route in Williamsburg, CELSIUS’s dedicated hub will be opening its doors for a series of exclusive activations and experiences throughout Marathon weekend.
Open Friday, October 30 through Monday, November 2, Club CELSIUS will give runners a place to refuel, connect, and celebrate Marathon Weekend, with a full lineup of interactive experiences, programming, and special guests throughout the weekend. Top programming highlights include:
- Friday, October 30 | Pedicab Run + Social Happy Hour:
- Kick off Marathon Weekend with a run led by CELSIUS brand partners SIDEQUEST, complete with their signature mobile DJ pedicab, followed by a live dating and comedy happy hour with UpDating featuring CELSIUS partners Markell Washington and Corbin Mims
- Saturday, October 31 | Shakeout Run:
- Get moving before race day with a community shakeout run starting at Club CELSIUS, with special appearances from CELSIUS brand partner Carl Radke and a performance by MC4D
- Sunday, November 1 | Race-Day Cheer + Post-Race Celebration:
- Stop by Club CELSIUS for race-day festivities, including custom flag creation, complimentary product gifting from participating brands, and more. CELSIUS will also bring the energy to a dedicated marathon cheer zone with a live DJ and product sampling. After the race, runners and guests can return to the space for an evening afterparty featuring a live performance from CELSIUS brand partner Bryce Alakai
- Monday, November 2 | Medal Monday:
- Keep the celebrations going with a post-race stop at Club CELSIUS to customize marathon medals, meet marathoner Molly Seidel, and choose from complimentary flash tattoo designs courtesy of Tiny Zaps
Free interactive Marathon experience at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the TCS New York City Marathon’s five-borough course, New York Road Runners (NYRR) is bringing a free interactive marathon experience to Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal from October 27–30.
Visitors can explore the history, culture, and spirit of all five boroughs through immersive installations, interactive experiences, DJ sets, giveaways, and special guests, including past marathon champions.
The activation will also challenge New Yorkers to collectively reach 1,976,000 steps over four days in honor of the course’s inaugural year.
- Hours:
- Tuesday, 10/27: 10 am – 7 pm
- Wednesday, 10/28 – Friday, 10/30: 8 am – 7 pm
Free shots and fries on the LES
For runners looking to celebrate after 26.2 miles, two Lower East Side spots are rewarding their hard-earned medals with free shots and fries.
- Ray’s LES: Keep the finish-line energy going at the Ray’s Marathon After Party, where runners can show their medals for a free celebratory shot and toast their accomplishment with friends
- Pinky Swear: A little further down the block, Pinky Swear is helping runners refuel with free fries for anyone who shows their marathon bib or medal, November 3-7. Consider it a well-deserved post-race carb load
Free admission and discounts to some of NYC’s best museums
You ran the distance—now visit some of NYC’s best museums for free!
- American Museum of Natural History:
- Marathon runners receive free General Admission from November 1 to 8, 2026, by showing their medal at the museum ticket desks upon entry
- 9/11 Memorial & Museum:
- Enter promo code NYRR26 when you buy a ticket and get a second ticket free of charge on admissions purchased from October 31 to November 7, 2026
30% off at SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
Ascend 93 floors and step into an immersive, multi-sensory art experience with sweeping 360-degree views of New York City and ride the world’s largest all-glass exterior elevator, with floor-to-ceiling skyline views at 1,200 feet.
TCS New York City Marathon runners and their family and friends receive a 30% discount on SUMMIT Ascent tickets (up to 4 tickets). Use code: NYRR2026
Discounted admission to Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center
In celebration of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Top of the Rock is offering registered runners $26 Timed Admission tickets from October 30 through November 2, 2026.
Take in sweeping 360° views from 70 floors above Manhattan, spot landmarks along the marathon route, and capture the perfect post-race photo with the New York City skyline as your backdrop.
To redeem the offer, present your 2026 marathon bib or proof of race enrollment at the Top of the Rock Box Office, located on 50th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.
Sports discounts and freebies
The energy of the TCS New York City Marathon doesn’t have to end at the finish line!
Keep the excitement going with some of New York’s sports teams.
- Brooklyn Nets:
- Experience Brooklyn Nets basketball at exclusive member rates. Use code RUN between October 8, 2026 and April 11, 2027. Purchase tickets
- New York Islanders:
- Experience New York Islanders hockey at exclusive discounted rates. Head to UBS Arena for an unforgettable night of NHL action and world-class entertainment. Valid now through April 10, 2027. Purchase tickets
- New York Rangers:
- Bring your crew together for a night of Rangers hockey and receive an exclusive Rangers beanie with every ticket purchased. Promo is valid for the Home Game vs. Edmonton Oilers on November 1, 2026. Purchase tickets
20% off Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
Enjoy 20% off Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights and trade your race-day miles for a festive stroll through the Bronx Zoo.
During the holiday season, the Bronx Zoo transforms into a magical, forested wonderland filled with stunning animal lanterns, enchanting moments, festive delights, and NEW this year – animals!
Also new this year, Holiday Lights tickets now offer a 2- in-1 experience! Arrive at 1 pm to spend time with your favorite animals, including snow leopards, tigers, and bears, and stay for the lights.
Bring your crew and keep the finish-line celebration going with a night of holiday magic. Use code: NYCMARATHON