When was the last time you pushed a fistful of Jelly Babies into your face?
If you’re one of the seven million UK adults who regularly lace up and head out for a run, then it may have been as recently as your last long-distance race.
A pocketful of dusty, gelatinous tots has long been a secret weapon of the dedicated PB chaser (if you don’t believe us, try it). But this month, Uber Eats UK has rewritten the marathon menu for 2026. In a big, belly-busting way.
The Morsel Marathon is Uber Eats UK’s 26-stop tasting menu for London runners – a celebration of the capital’s vibrant food and running cultures. The food delivery favourite’s route explores the city’s greatest culinary quarters along a gentle 11km romp, but its dishes most definitely take precedence over its distance in this world-first event.
This isn’t a simple dot-to-dot of delicious dining establishments, though. The route has been meticulously planned in collaboration with Charlie Dark MBE, DJ, poet, and one of London running culture’s most influential figures thanks to his role in founding the famous Run Dem Crew. He’s a major part of why you’ll be tying up your laces, loosening the waistband on your shorts, and chowing through some of London’s best pizza, pastries, gyoza, bao buns, gourmet fried chicken, and stacks more through November.
The day after completing her first Morsel Marathon, Uber Eats UK’s general manager, Merve Basci, joined us to talk the meals, the miles, and why we’ll all be filling our running shorts pockets with dumplings from now on:
How are the legs feeling after finishing the Morsel Marathon yesterday?
They’re doing okay! There were lots of stops and the pace was gentle. It’s definitely the first time I’ve run anything like it, so I feel like finishing – and trying every dish – was an accomplishment.
Did you try anything that’ll have serious runners retiring their Jelly Babies and gels for good?
The dumplings really did something for the energy levels. The perfectly juicy ones that we got from YEYE really freshened me up during my 2.5 hours on the route.
How did you select the restaurants?
Variety had to come first. Nowhere else gives you the chance to explore as many cuisines in one city as London does – you can choose to eat Sri Lankan, Indian, or Jamaican without leaving your neighbourhood. Variety meant we also couldn’t rely on London staples like burgers and pizzas only. We needed to find pick-me-ups too, which is why you’ll also find energising peanut butter bagels and refreshing smoothies on our route. We’ve landed on a real mix of partners, from household names like Wagamama to London institutions like Pizza Pilgrims and neighbourhood favourites like Coqfighter.
Why do run clubs and food go together so well?
Running in 2026 isn’t an individual activity – it's social. Food has always been the same. The most memorable meals are the ones you experience around the table with your favourite people. There were 30 runners in my group yesterday. We took proper breaks of two or three minutes after each bite, which were our opportunities for chatting. When you’re eating or running together, you always have something in common to talk about.
It’s no secret that the restaurant industry is facing some big challenges right now. What is Uber Eats doing to support those who are struggling?
You’re absolutely right – rising costs are a real problem. The best thing we can do is to help restaurants reach new customers. Our account managers see themselves as business consultants, even business partners. They can offer their experience of the industry to advise restaurants on optimal opening times, menu choices that would prove most popular, competitive prices and portion sizes, and what dishes to list first on the app. We’ve even advised on naming dishes, because our eating experiences start with what we read on the menu.
If you had to sum up the formula for restaurant success in 2026, what would it be?
A clear identity, and knowing that you can’t be everything to everyone. At our recent awards, winners tended to know their standout dishes – those menu favourites that keep people coming back time after time. The skewers at Murger Han, which I had for the first time yesterday, are a great example.
You’re partnering with City Harvest, the food rescue charity, on this project. Why was working with them so important to you?
We’ve been partners for a while, actually. We’re very aware that not everyone in London has the same access to nourishment. As winter gets closer, feeding those in need becomes more of a pressing issue. It’s why we’re making a donation to City Harvest that’s the equivalent of 150,000 meals.
Before moving to London, you lived in Istanbul. What are the Turkish ingredients you wish you could find more of on London menus?
I think London is missing out on late-night lentil soups. It’s what we’d turn to after a big night out, in the same way Brits turn to kebabs. Ramen is a good substitute, though.
If you had to have a marathon dining session with one dish, what would it be?
Butter chicken, with a big dollop of yoghurt. It’s comfort food that’s perfect for this time of year.
Is there a food trend you’re really happy to see the back of?
Yep – dishes with way too many extra ingredients piled on top of them. Simplicity is best. Bleecker and Honest Burger are perfect examples of what can happen when you stick to the essentials and use fewer ingredients but ensure they’re of the best quality. No extras, no fluff. Just really good staples.
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to anyone preparing for the Morsel Marathon?
Come on an empty stomach and give yourself plenty of time for breaks. There’s a lot to take in.
Finally, what’s for dinner tonight?
Meatballs and pasta, I think. I’m cooking.
The Morsel Marathon route is open to the public now. For the full route, visit Uber Eats UK’s Instagram page. The first 100 people to finish and tag their Strava activity to @UberEatsUK on Instagram win £262 in Uber Eats credit.