Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, casual runner or training for your first 5K, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has a race for you. On Saturday, we kick off our weekend of races with the 5K, Meijer Kids Fun Run and Competitive 1-Mile. Then on Sunday, the Full Marathon, International Half-Marathon …
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Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, casual runner or training for your first 5K, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has a race for you. On Saturday, we kick off our weekend of races with the 5K, Meijer Kids Fun Run and Competitive 1-Mile. Then on Sunday, the Full Marathon, International Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay kick off our international events. The Motor City Half-Marathon starts shortly after and rounds out our events. And the Motor Challenge Series allows participants to run more than one race during Detroit’s Marathon Weekend!
Our marathon course offers international appeal, traversing both downtown Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, crossing the border at both the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. You will run through historic neighborhoods, including Woodbridge, the District Detroit, Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut with a finish line at the foot of Campus Martius.
With a wave start, smaller groups of participants are sent off at three-minute intervals beginning at 7:00 AM, which eases congestion in those early miles. Groups are based on the projected pace indicated on the registration form, so an accurate response is necessary.
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Cold and Wet
2025 brought a tough challenge with the weather, but the race organizers still came to play. One of the best racing expos and lots of vendors at the finish line. … MORE
2025 brought a tough challenge with the weather, but the race organizers still came to play. One of the best racing expos and lots of vendors at the finish line. THe medal is always a good one and having all your photos included can not be beat.
Harder than expected
To be fair the weather was not great this year. The underwater mile seemed cool but quickly got really hard. I was worried going over the bridge but that was … MORE
To be fair the weather was not great this year. The underwater mile seemed cool but quickly got really hard. I was worried going over the bridge but that was really neat and the people in Canada were great.
Great course, weather wasn't great
Huge expo.. Weather this year was bad this year, pouring rain the first few miles and gusty wind but still turned out to be a good day. Only hills are … MORE
Huge expo.. Weather this year was bad this year, pouring rain the first few miles and gusty wind but still turned out to be a good day. Only hills are the bridge and tunnel which are early in the race. very PR friendly course, especially if you have good conditions.
Paced the 3:00 group and accidentally stopped my watch trying to lap a mile under the tunnel which caused me to be a few seconds behind.
US Canada | Great experience
My state 36 Michigan went well ! Loved the race. From start to finish it was very-well organized. There were many people on the side to cheer you up. Detroit … MORE
My state 36 Michigan went well ! Loved the race. From start to finish it was very-well organized. There were many people on the side to cheer you up. Detroit did an excellent job! The bridge was such a great experience.
Great race on a rainy day!
It was a rainy and windy day, but the race was still great. The organization and production were both excellent. Despite the weather, the crowd support was better than I … MORE
It was a rainy and windy day, but the race was still great. The organization and production were both excellent. Despite the weather, the crowd support was better than I expected and consistent throughout the course. The expo had a wide variety vendors and was busy, but not overly crowded. If I’m being picky, the backdrop for bib photos was not stellar, but that’s my only real complaint about the expo. The morning of the race, the corrals were crowded (as most races are), there were plenty of porta pots at the start and throughout the course. The course at times (especially in the beginning) is very crowded, and you have to pay attention to course directions with all the races taking place (full, half, international half, relay). Several runners had to be redirected to the proper course. The marathon course is great, the only two real challenges are the bridge (very steep) and the underground tunnel (steep coming out) are the hardest parts and both within the first 8 miles. After that, the course flattens out for the most part… The crowd support is great on both sides (Detroit and Canada). The post party area was well organized with a variety of vendors. The medals are incredible and the swag bag was great. I highly recommend!
A fun international half!
The Detroit Free Press Half Marathon was awesome, even in the pouring rain. Running across the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise and through the Windsor Tunnel back into Detroit is an … MORE
The Detroit Free Press Half Marathon was awesome, even in the pouring rain. Running across the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise and through the Windsor Tunnel back into Detroit is an unforgettable experience, and the crowd support never let up despite the weather. The course was flat, fast, and full of energy, and the volunteers and ambassadors were truly next-level. This race tested me, inspired me, and reminded me why I love running. 100% would do it again.
Detroit Free Press 1/2 Marathon - Domest
The 1/2 marathon had some crappy weather and the domestic half is a very small race just a little over a 1,000 runners. You ran through all the Detroit neighborhood's … MORE
The 1/2 marathon had some crappy weather and the domestic half is a very small race just a little over a 1,000 runners. You ran through all the Detroit neighborhood’s – some beautiful architecture and murals to see. All miles clearly marked and water stations every 2 miles. You do finish with some of the marathoners.
The only underwater international mile
Travel: Travel was convenient. I flew into DTW. There is a bus that goes downtown ($6 if purchased online). We stayed at a downtown hotel that was a just a … MORE
Travel: Travel was convenient. I flew into DTW. There is a bus that goes downtown ($6 if purchased online). We stayed at a downtown hotel that was a just a few minutes’ walk to the expo and both start and finish lines.
Expo/packet pickup: The expo was at a convention center within walking distance of downtown. Lots of vendors and official merchandise. We were required to show our passport in order to pick up our bib. The far side of the convention center is along the Detroit River, which separates the US and Canada. Lots of statues and monuments to look at in a small area.
Course: I ran the international half. Mile 3 took runners over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada. The bridge was challenging due to the long incline to get over the bridge. After about 4 miles in Canada, runners entered the Windsor Tunnel to return to the US. The tunnel was challenging due to the include to get out of the tunnel. Most of the rest of the course was pretty flat.
Course support: Aid stations were plentiful, with water and Gatorade at all of them. Some had other items, like fruit, pretzels and pickle juice. One aid station had gels. There were cheering crowds on a good portion of the course.
Post-race: There was a longish walk to get to the post race area. Runners got water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, a heat sheet, their medal and a bag of snacks (pretzels, Oreos, apple and graham crackers). After leaving the finish chute, there were food trucks and vendors. I’m sure there was more to see, but it was starting to rain so I headed back to the hotel.
Swag: Shirts were gender-specific long sleeve tech material. Others in my group had a buff in their packet, but mine did not.
Final impression: I think this was a great choice to check off for Michigan, especially since it’s the only race with an official underwater international mile.
To Canada and Back!
Great race!! Very well-produced. Super easy expo which was a good size. Nice long sleeve shirt. Start right downtown. So fun to run to Canada and back. Beautiful route through … MORE
Great race!! Very well-produced. Super easy expo which was a good size. Nice long sleeve shirt. Start right downtown. So fun to run to Canada and back. Beautiful route through some old neighborhoods. Plenty of aide stations. Can’t recommend enough. I loved this race!
It was fun
I found 1 mile and 5k fun but a bit crazy getting to start area. Once there it was just kinda everyone for themselves in lining up. The course was … MORE
I found 1 mile and 5k fun but a bit crazy getting to start area. Once there it was just kinda everyone for themselves in lining up. The course was nice on city streets and ended on a walking path in a park.