Sport
A dozen freebies you can get with a Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal for 2026
Finishers get free stuff - as they should.
Danny Jones -
29th May 2026 
Race day is fast-approaching, but that also means so is the finisher line for you legends taking on this year’s Great Manchester Run, and in turn, so are all the freebies heading your way.
Everyone has their reasons for running 10ks, half marathons and more, but for a lot of people, they just wanna soak in the atmosphere – and all the free suds afterwards…
With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of all the free stuff you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal this coming Sunday, 31 May.
But before all that, you can find our full 2026 Great Manchester Run guide right HERE.
12 free things you can get with a 2026 Great Manchester Run finisher’s medal
1. Freebies and carb-loading at Bundobust
What is it: An Indian street food spot beloved here in the North, with plenty of beers on tap and unreal, Gujarati-influenced scran perfect for sharing.
The offer: Two-for-one on their famous vada pav sliders the day before the race upon showing entry confirmation, and a free pint when you show your medal at the bar.
2. Drinks at Impossible Manchester
What is it: A stylish bar turned late-night club come the evenings with a big terrace out back and plenty of room to dance the night away (for those with any energy left, that is), famous for its bottomless brunches and party crowd.
The offer: A complimentary drink at multiple venues in exchange for a look at your shiny 2026 medal, including the likes of Impossible.
3. A free cookie on Doux Chaton
What is it: The best French-Vietnamese bakery in town, which also happens to serve everything from authentic egg coffees and savoury treats to giant bowls of broth.
The offer: Very much a Ronseal situation this – simply show you finisher’s medal to cop yourself one of their traditional Vietnamese cookies made in the shape of, you guessed it, a medal.
4. Complimentary booze and offers at Electric Shuffle
What is it: An interactive games bar on Deansgate known for high-tech shuffleboard, darts and more, including more brunch and group booking packages.
The offer: A pint of beer, 175ml glass of house wine, 125ml glass of prosecco, or a soft drink on the house when you show your medal or race number; the venue will also be open from 9am on the day itself, serving plenty of GMR specials, including a full breakfast menu.
5. Free ice cream at Hello Oriental
What is: An underground Pan-Asian food hall located on Circle Square, just off the main Oxford Road Corridor, with multiple vendors available.
The offer: Free cone of soft-serve on sight of your finisher’s medal – you can also upgrade to their deluxe animal-shaped waffle cones for £2 – or you can choose to claim a free drink with any main meal.
6. Another gratis choice of tap from Blacklock
What is it: A famous London chop house that’s made its way to Manchester, serving big steaks, pork loins, Sunday roasts and more from a stunning Peter Street site.
The offer: Pick from any of their tap wines, beers or softs to toast to your success. One medal = one tap.
7. More from Motley
What is it: The on-site bar and restaurant attached to YOTEL Manchester – also located along the Deansgate strip. They’re also launching a new summer menu, too.
The offer: A free pint of the draught Motley Brew, made by Salford icons Seven Brothers, a zero-alcohol ‘Nojito’ or a soft drink.
8. The same goes for Freight Island
What is it: The massive Manc urban market, beer hall and entertainment venue, packed with tonnes of local food and drink traders.
The offer: Claim a free glass of prosecco, pint, glass of wine, or a soft drink – simply show your medal, and you’ll be given a token that you can exchange for the good stuff.
9. Bonus late checkout for those staying at Hotel Indigo
What is it: A boutique city centre hotel operated by the IHG hotel and resorts group, located right near Victoria train station for those travelling into Manchester.
The offer: Show your participation ticket on arrival and receive a complimentary 6pm checkout on Sunday, 31 May 2026. *Offer subject to availability. Management reserves the right to remove the offer at any time without prior notice.
10. Non-alcoholic goodness on the house from Nell’s at Kampus and Common
What is it: Much-loved Manc-born bar and pizza joint, serving New York-style slices, frozen slushie cocktails and plenty more.
The offer: A free pint of Lucky Saint with your medal; same again at Common over in the Northern Quarter, where you can also enjoy some well-earned ‘za.
11. Sunny servings of Aperol Spritz at Courts Club
What is it: Social club and bar centring around a multi-purpose basketball/tennis court and even boules, not to mention a fridge and outdoor stall both serving freshly-prepared grab-and-go scran, as well as plenty of outdoor seating.
The offer: Show your finisher’s medal at the bar from 12 noon and receive one Aperol Spritz per person. Simple as that.
12. And finally, your finisher’s pack, of course!
To wrap things up, shortly after you cross the finish line – and you WILL cross that line – you will also be presented with your customary bag of goodies, including your ‘been there done that, got the finisher’s t-shirt (unless you opted out), a bottle of water, and an edible treat.
But that’s not all: there’ll be plenty more freebies to pick up as you exit back through the official event village, such as more snacks and even another 0% beer from Lucky Saint, which tastes even better than the real thing when you’ve completed either 10k or 13.1 miles.
Last but not least, for those of you journeying into the city either to take part or even just to spectate, it’s worth taking a look at the most recent transport updates.
After all, we want to make sure you get here and grab as much of this ‘SWAG’ as possible once you’re done – you’ve earned it, after all.
Read more:
- Full list of road closures announced as IRONMAN 2026 takes over Bolton next weekend
- Grosvenor pub set to host huge England fan zone with Fireball for 2026 World Cup
- The very best Chinatown restaurants and food in Manchester city centre
For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Publicity pictures (supplied)
