On Sunday April 21st runners will take to the streets for the TCS London Marathon. Here’s what’s on our radar from prep to recovery mode, to, well, even doing a charity (shop) run for a good cause! And who knows, maybe we’ll even inspire you to lace up your own running shoes and take on a new challenge!
Prep mode
Everyone Active Marshall Street Leisure Centre & Spa, Gym & Swim
Whether you live, work or play in Soho, Marshall Street Leisure Centre & Spa deserves a place on your radar! Elevate your health goals by incorporating fitness and relaxation into your routine – right in the heart of Central London. Membership is from £39 per month. To learn more about the memberships and explore all that this iconic leisure centre has to offer, visit www.everyoneactive.com.
Barry’s

15th – 28th April: Barry’s Hell Week+ challenge offers clients to complete 10 classes in 14 days (rather than the usual 7 classes in 7 days). Hell Week+ class package is now available to buy for £176 here and includes all 10 classes which are available to use across all studios – including Barry’s LIFT in Soho.
Saturday 20 April: from 3pm – 5pm, Barry’s will be hosting a sign-making session at its SW1 studio in Victoria to help cheer on its runners at the London Marathon. It’s free to join by signing up here and Barry’s will be providing all the supplies.
Sunday 21 April: Barry’s will be hosting a London Marathon after party at its SW1 studio featuring live music and refreshments. Marathon runners can drop in for a free HERMOSA protein shake from the Barry’s Fuel Bar by showing their medal. It’s free to join by signing up here.

#1 Playlist Song: Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill
New study reveals songs to listen during London marathon for best success – Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill ranks first. The study analyzed 1,400 Spotify playlists related to ‘running’ and ‘jogging’ to see which songs repeatedly cropped up as motivators. With 26.2 miles to cover marathon runners will be selecting the right music to keep their spirits up. Running Up That Hill by Kate Bush is the most popular song for keeping people motivated during exercise, particularly in the context of the London Marathon. It has seen a surge in popularity following its feature in Stranger Things and is prominent in playlists for endurance activities. Studies suggest that listening to motivational music during endurance exercise can enhance energy efficiency and performance, indicating the impact of music on physical activity.
Fuel up
HUX + Hystride Marathon Pack Limited Edition
In collaboration with eye-ware brand Hystride, this Hux exclusive bundle gives you everything you need to feel good and run fast. Here’s what’s included!
Apex Performance Sunglasses (worth £54):
Featuring feather-light design and polarised lenses in our signature HUX orange, these sunglasses are the ultimate game-changer in outdoor eyewear. Run fast & look the part.
Performance Socks (worth £10):
The perfect hybrid training sock. These socks are completely seamless ensuring an incredibly elastic fit that lasts the test of time. Extremely lightweight and breathable, in our signature HUX orange with the HUX logo emblazoned down the back.
HUX Hydration Multi-Flavour triple pack (worth £24):
Award winning. Best selling. ultra hydrating. You get it. Our hydration tablets are a the perfect complex of electrolytes and minerals designed to support optimum hydration and muscle function.
HUX Shaker (worth £15):
Featuring an easy-to-use design, it is convenient and hassle-free. Enjoy HUX with ease, no matter where you are, or where you’re going.
All for £103 only £69 available here.

Expert reveals what to eat ahead of the race to optimise performance
A nutrition expert has identified key ingredients for muscle-building meal preps before the London Marathon. The sports nutrition experts at Bulk.com analysed over 200 protein-rich recipes rated four stars and above on BBC Good Food to reveal the most common ingredients and their health benefits.
- Garlic – Garlic proved the most popular ingredient, as it is essential to virtually every dish analysed. Known for its antibacterial properties, garlic offers protection against the common cold – great news for maintaining your health ahead of the run.
- Onion – The base of many dishes and proving among the most popular ingredients in the study, onions are a source of organic sulfur compounds which work to reduce cholesterol. They are also a reliable source of B and C vitamins, which help different enzymes function and strengthen our immune system.
- Olive Oil – Olive oil also appeared frequently across the top-rated recipes. Not only is it a great source of healthy monosaturated fats, but olive oil has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and be an excellent source of antioxidants, helping your body neutralize free radicals that cause diseases.
- Tomatos – Tomatoes are a solid base for many meals and make a great source of fibre. Additionally, they are a good source of vitamin B9 (folate) which aids tissue growth and normal functioning, as well as vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) which is important for bone health. Like onions, they are also a great source of vitamin C.
- Nuts – A variety of nuts can be great for the diet as they are packed with plenty of dietary fibre, healthy fats, and magnesium – particularly almonds, cashews, and brazil nuts. This helps to regulate biochemical reactions such as blood pressure, sugar levels and muscle function. Variety of quality nuts available at carpo.
Other ingredients that frequently occurred in popular recipes include pumpkin and butternut squash. Both are high in beta-carotene which converts into vitamin A and helps to maintain a healthy immune system, as well as maintain good skin and eye health. Spinach, high in iron – which many people do not get enough of – and mustard, which is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as calcium, iron, and zinc. Fish also appeared frequently in the top-rated recipes, which can be a source of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. This is particularly helpful as we have a reduced ability to make vitamin D when it is cloudy.
Check out our SOHO EATS Guide.
Find a good cause

Do a Charity (Shop) Run
OK, so even if you’re not participating in the London Marathon, you can still embrace the spirit of the event and the arrival of the new season as motivation to do something for a cause. Consider gathering your unwanted clothing, homeware, books, and CDs and donating them to a charity. You can make a positive impact by supporting a local charity shop through a generous donation.
Charity Shops in the West End
- Mind Carnaby – 8 Ganton St, Carnaby, London W1F 7QP
- Mind Fitzrovia – 37 Goodge St, London W1T 2PU
- Oxfam Fitzrovia – 52 Goodge St, London W1T 4LZ
- Oxfam Covent Garden – 23 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5RH
Don’t forget to check with the charity store for donations they do or don’t accept.
Recovery mode

Aire Ancient Baths
To celebrate the London Marathon, AIRE Ancient Baths is offering a complimentary 15-minute leg massage on selected AIRE Experiences. The pools and thermal baths are great for after-exercise to help speed up muscle recovery and avoid injuries. You can also use the time to meditate or practice breathing exercises, which can help with mental recovery, stress reduction, and focus for future training and races. Plus, the skilled therapists offer massage techniques to relieve muscle tightness, improve mobility, and fix imbalances, reducing the risk of injury and boosting overall performance.
Get a complimentary 15-minute massage with your booking: www./beaire.com (T&Cs Apply)

Free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at Heliot Steak House!
Heliot Steak House will be welcoming fatigued and hungry London Marathon runners to sit back and relax post-race with the launch of its new, limited-edition offer. Runners will be able to treat themselves to a free Argentinian Rib Eye Steak at Heliot Steak House, savouring it whilst overlooking the spectacular Grand Casino floor of the Hippodrome Casino.
Alternatively, visitors can enjoy a Claire Heliot Burger with a brioche bun, fried egg & crispy bacon, whilst taking in the wonderful views across Soho from The Rooftop.
How to claim?: London Marathon participants can claim this offer on Sunday 21st April and Monday 22nd April, by showing their medal at Heliot Steak House or Hippodrome Rooftop.
Members of the Heliot Steak House team will also be running the marathon on behalf of the Hippodrome Casino, raising money for the United Response charity.
Whether you’re spectating from the sidelines or taking part in the race, wishing everyone a fun and safe run this weekend!
List curated by Kai Lutterodt @the.soho.girl
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