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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Will likely be back for more!
This was fun, more low key than I would have imagined given the international aspect of it, and VERY well put on. The tunnel is unique, the run up over … MORE
This was fun, more low key than I would have imagined given the international aspect of it, and VERY well put on. The tunnel is unique, the run up over the bridge was AMAZING (to be fair, I tried to time it so I’d be able to see the sun rise as I was crossing the bridge), and the people of Detroit were ready to party! DO WATCH OUT for the trolley tracks around mile 9, they are sneaky when you aren’t looking down!
International is the only way to go
Thinking about doing this race? Do it! Also make sure you do the International Half if you can. Honestly I am not sure why anyone would choose to do the … MORE
Thinking about doing this race? Do it! Also make sure you do the International Half if you can. Honestly I am not sure why anyone would choose to do the other half if they don’t have to.
The one thing I am going to knock this race on comes earlier in the review. The communication coming up to this race was almost non-existent. It was so non-existent that I briefly thought there might be an issue of my registration being lost. I had my receipt and there were no issues, but it was a very sparse compared to almost every race I’ve ever done.
The expo was what you would expect from a big race. Everything you could need was there. In addition to the usual stuff, there were border officials from the USA and Canada there to answer questions about the border crossing. They were giving information that was contrary to what had been published as acceptable ID for the race. I went to a race official and had confirmation that my Global Entry card was sufficient ID for this race. The fact about this race is that you have already submitted your travel document information at registration and been oked for the crossing. If you have your international bin showing clearly, you should have no trouble at the borders.
Race morning was cool and hectic on the streets of Detroit. I did find a nice place to stretch but be advised there are a lot of people. Additionally I’ll tell you that gear check is going to likely continue to be near the finish line which is a little down from the starting line. Plan ahead for this. Even with all these people, it was easy to get into the corrals and find my pace group.
The beginning of the race had some of the worst roads I have ever run on. Luckily there is a huge amount of excitement in the air and if you are with a pace group it mitigates this. The approach and crossing of the Ambassador Bridge really is beautiful and if I did not care about my time, I would have taken photos. The people on the Canadian side of the race were extremely nice and plentiful. I was shocked how many people were just lined up to cheer for us as we ran through Windsor. The return to the US through the Windsor Tunnel was hot and stuffy. I know some people were very excited about seeing the tile that marked the return to the US, but all I thought about was how muggy it was. The loop around DT Detroit on return was nice and green. It felt like a long victory lap before heading to the finish line. There were again a lot of spectator though I expected this more as you are in proximity to the finish line for a lot of the loop.
The finish line was well organized and easy to navigate. They had an abundance of food and everyone was nice and helpful. Take note now, there is no free beer with this race. But if you wish to purchase beer, the option is there. The medal and the shirt for the race are nice .
I don’t think I really need to convince you that this is a great race to run. However, if you need convincing, run the race! As an aside, the second half started at like 10am and ran around the city. I can’t imagine starting at 10am in the sun and just running around Detroit knowing that others had done 2 border crossings!
Grab your passport... Bucket list race!
My running tour of the 50 states wrapped up for 2024 with Michigan, my 19th state. The Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon was my first international race, and my … MORE
My running tour of the 50 states wrapped up for 2024 with Michigan, my 19th state. The Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon was my first international race, and my first visit to Detroit. This was an amazing weekend and quickly became one of my top favorite races of all time.
A frequently asked question is whether or not runners are required to run with their passports on them for the international events, and the answer is it’s illegal to cross an international border without proper documentation (unless you are seeking asylum in the country you are entering, and participating in the Detroit Free Press Marathon events obviously wouldn’t meet this exception). Border agents did not stop any runners that I was aware of during the event, but our bibs had to be visible at all times. Packet pickup was seamless, and we were required to have WHTI-compliant documentation to receive our race bibs.
Race morning was immediately memorable from the moment I joined hundreds of other runners on the block making their way down West Lafayette Street, while helicopters circled above and intermittently bathed us in the glow of their spotlights. Police and ambulance sirens blared in tandem with the whirring of the helicopters. All we were missing was the Bat-Signal. It was 45° F out with no wind, about 80% humidity, and perfect running weather on the Detroit side of the river.
We packed shoulder to shoulder into the corrals to the tune of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” playing over the noise of the helicopters and crowds while the announcer amped us up for what would be one of the most exciting races I’ve run thus far. After a 30-minute continuous forward shuffle to the official start line timing mat, we were released into the streets of downtown as thousands of spectators and volunteers lined either side of the street and cheered for us.
The enthusiasm and energy of the people of Detroit was nonstop and contagious, the entire race. It was hands down the best spectator turnout and volunteer support I’ve ever seen at any larger race, with the exception possibly being the Garry Bjorklund Half in Duluth. Detroit spectators not only shouted words of encouragement, but they used our names as they read every passing race bib, and we truly felt the love.
Our international journey included a trip across the Ambassador Bridge and entry into Canada, views along the Detroit River from the Canadian side, re-entering the United States via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and a stunning city route through Downtown and Midtown Detroit.
The first mile took us down Fort Street and around the fringe of Mexicantown, which was to the north of the course. After a nice loop around, Mile 3 began the trek across the Ambassador Bridge. As I began the ascent up the bridge, I was unexpectedly filled with emotion as Canadians lined the bridge and cheered for us. Many of us were in tears when we officially crossed the border about half a mile onto the bridge, and we began seeing the first few Canadian spectators holding signs up to welcome us.
We had at least 3 aid stations along the course in Canada, and the volunteers were a mix of American and Canadian. All of them continued the hype and enthusiasm we experienced on the Detroit side, until finally around Mile 7 we reached the entrance of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The portion of the course through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is affectionately known in the running community as “the World’s Only Underwater Mile.”
I wasn’t expecting another wave of emotion, but when we were greeted by Americans on the other side of the border, I swelled with patriotism and teared up all over again seeing all the volunteers and crowds cheering as we came back into America. What an emotional rollercoaster! The last 5 miles of the race were spent in Detroit, and while Canada was definitely the star of the show for the first half of the race, the beauty of downtown Detroit really shined in the second half.
The opportunities for landmark viewing during this race surpassed any satisfaction I could have had from a guided tour, and by the end, I felt like I’d sufficiently explored Detroit, and yet I was left wanting more. For my full trip and race recap, check out my race report under the race report link!
Best Race Ever!!
This has to be one of my favorite races so far. I signed up for the challenge: 1 miler, 5K and Marathon. It did not disappoint. The race was exceptionally … MORE
This has to be one of my favorite races so far. I signed up for the challenge: 1 miler, 5K and Marathon. It did not disappoint. The race was exceptionally organized; the hotel was 2 blocks to the marathon start and finish. Tons of aid stations and crowd support. Beautiful running on the bridge into Canada and the tunnel back into Detroit. The courses were wonderful and pretty flat. My only “gripe” was for the 1 miler and 5K, if you plan to run those races, start close to the front. People started out by walking in groups and it was difficult to get around anyone for quite some time. Other than that, a fantastic must do race.
Nice International Race
Weekend started with a good expo within walking distance of the hotels. Getting the bib was easy, no wait. There were lots of booths at the expo, even people getting … MORE
Weekend started with a good expo within walking distance of the hotels. Getting the bib was easy, no wait. There were lots of booths at the expo, even people getting IVs.
The race started when it was still dark, which meant sunrise while we were on the Ambassador Bridge. This gave superb views and photo opportunities. Excellent work by the race team there. In spite of warnings about the chance of getting stopped crossing the border, none of that happened, even for the people running with water packs.
The course was nice, with decent crowd support. The aid stations got progressively closer together as the race moved on, starting 2 miles apart for first 8, then 1.5 for next 8, and then mostly 1 mile apart after that, so I did not carry any of my own water. To account for the sparseness over the first 8 I drank a whole bottle of gatorade, which relegated me to the port-a-potties 4 times in the first half, and 2 more in the second half. The good news is there generally weren’t lines at those.
The finish area was superb, nice medal, plenty of food and beverages, and they even gave me 2 chocolate milks! The only complaint is that at the after party we did not get a free beer.
The shirt is long sleeved and grey, with some stuff on the back, will see if that sticks to me while running when I resume training soon.
Overall, I’m glad I did this race. It was nicely run, and I enjoyed my time in Detroit.
Run country to country
The expo for this event is great lots of vendors and Brooks is the race sponsor so the race merch is top quality. I spent way too much at the … MORE
The expo for this event is great lots of vendors and Brooks is the race sponsor so the race merch is top quality. I spent way too much at the event but all good things. The actual race is fun you the course is FLAT aside for the crossing in to and out of Canada (note Gatorade on the Canada side of the course is much better). If I was going to run this one again I would do the international half. The back half of the marathon course takes you through some nice neighborhoods but they are not as cool as running in to Canada.
Loved it!
Got to run an international race! The only hill was the on the bridge. Canada was the most scenic part of the race. Crowd support was amazing. It’s a must … MORE
Got to run an international race! The only hill was the on the bridge. Canada was the most scenic part of the race. Crowd support was amazing. It’s a must to run this half!
Ok course and overall race
I know there have been a few 5 shoe reviews but this race was just ok for me. As stated by others going over the bridge into Canada was the … MORE
I know there have been a few 5 shoe reviews but this race was just ok for me. As stated by others going over the bridge into Canada was the best highlight. The one negative (for me) was that there were too many turns in the course.
So Nice!
This was such a well organized and pleasant run. Such a unique experience to run over the Ambassador Bridge to Canada and return through the Detroit Windsor Tunnel. The race … MORE
This was such a well organized and pleasant run. Such a unique experience to run over the Ambassador Bridge to Canada and return through the Detroit Windsor Tunnel. The race was relatively flat with only the onramps and offramps posing a challenge. The race toured downtown, the suburbs and some of the outskirt manufacturing areas. The crowds were great! There were only a few miles that were sparse but I will never forget leaving the tunnel, passing through the boarder patrol terminal and a hug crowd erupting as you enter downtown Detroit. Great race all together!
Fun race!!
Great race. I would recommend doing this. Fun course. Lots of extras. Spectators were fantastic. Detroit was a fun city to visit with good hotels and lots of good food. MORE
Great race. I would recommend doing this. Fun course. Lots of extras. Spectators were fantastic. Detroit was a fun city to visit with good hotels and lots of good food.
A great runnable course!
So much fun! I did the international half marathon. Highly recommend! Great scenery and course was very runnable. Well marked for the whole time. MORE
So much fun! I did the international half marathon. Highly recommend! Great scenery and course was very runnable. Well marked for the whole time.
You get to run to Canada!
I’ve had several friends run this race and hype it up. It did not disappoint! The expo was well organized and had great vendors. I finally got my National Parks … MORE
I’ve had several friends run this race and hype it up. It did not disappoint! The expo was well organized and had great vendors. I finally got my National Parks towel from @getsprints!!! The race shirt is well made and there was some cool extra sway in the bag, including a car decal.
It was super easy to find the start corrals and the race started on time without any issues.
Course support was excellent with plenty of hydration stations that included water, Gatorade, and even pickle juice. Everyone was super friendly and the crowds were great.
I loved running over the Ambassador Bridge as the sun rose and I crossed into Canada for the first time in my life. The Underwater Mile was a neat experience, but the humidity and uphill at the end almost did me in.
After the race they had heat sheets and water ready to go, as well as chocolate milk. I love the medal and how it includes the Spirit of Detroit since that is such a well known symbol of the city.
My only complaint is that they ran out of the specialty beer at the after party, but that’s a minor inconvenience.
Overall, this was an excellent race and I highly recommend it if you live in the area or need to check Michigan off your 50 state challenge.
Amazing Race
It was an amazing race, the views were gorgeous and the community was out in full force for support. The bling was gorgeous, I complete the Free press challenge MORE
It was an amazing race, the views were gorgeous and the community was out in full force for support. The bling was gorgeous, I complete the Free press challenge
Great Race for a Major City
The Detroit Race weekend was a great experience especially for a major city. I've done a couple other city marathons and they have ok but Detroit was great. There was … MORE
The Detroit Race weekend was a great experience especially for a major city. I’ve done a couple other city marathons and they have ok but Detroit was great. There was great communication pre and during the race. It was well organized especially with running through Canada. The scenery and crowds were also great. The only complaint is the roads are rough due it being the north. I definitely recommend this race for first timers.
This was a nice easy run
Even after straining my calf in the 5k the day before I thought this course was really easy. I was able to run more than expected considering I had a … MORE
Even after straining my calf in the 5k the day before I thought this course was really easy. I was able to run more than expected considering I had a fresh injury. I did trip and fall at mile one but it was no one’s fault but my own. I absolutely love the challenge jacket we got for doing the 1 mile, 5k, and half! There were a lot of spectators on the Canadian side which was nice. Running back through the tunnel was a little muggy but I was expecting worse; it didn’t seem that steep either coming back out. It’s kind of a tease seeing everyone running back toward you because I had no idea how close that section was to their finish. Only disappointment was lake of mile markers considering your gps is a bit off because of the tunnel.
Exceeded my high expectations
Was beautiful downtown that the race really showed off. Running the bridge was def a highlight with views of both sides. Excellent support the whole way. As some one who … MORE
Was beautiful downtown that the race really showed off. Running the bridge was def a highlight with views of both sides. Excellent support the whole way. As some one who has run 75+ half this is a top 5 for me and second only to DC for city races. It is a must do.
Do this Race - Register Early
Partnered this race with Country Sole in Chicago. Stayed at the Indigo Hotel - right at the start and finish and walking distance to packet pick up. Amazing race International … MORE
Partnered this race with Country Sole in Chicago. Stayed at the Indigo Hotel – right at the start and finish and walking distance to packet pick up. Amazing race International Half and you run over the bridge to get to Canada and back through the tunnel for the USA!! Crowd Support is Fantastic in both Michigan and Canada!! Free Photos!!!
All Time Favorite Event!
Only time per year, you can cross over into Canada on the Ambassador Bridge, job through Canada, then return through the Windsor Tunnel. Weather is almost always sunny and ideal … MORE
Only time per year, you can cross over into Canada on the Ambassador Bridge, job through Canada, then return through the Windsor Tunnel. Weather is almost always sunny and ideal for running!
Motor City, Windsor and flat course
I decided to fly out to this run due to its uniqueness in entering Canada. The race coordinators say that you need your passport while running but really only need … MORE
I decided to fly out to this run due to its uniqueness in entering Canada. The race coordinators say that you need your passport while running but really only need it at the expo. While running be sure to have your bib on as that is what they check. The highlights were running over the ambassador bridge and tunnel. The marathon really explored the neighborhoods of Detroit which made the run interesting. Not too much to offer at the finish line as you had to walk a distance just to get the medal. Overall would recommend.
First Half is Fun!
I really enjoyed this race that seemed to show runners the "best of" the surrounding area. Running over a bridge with border crossing guards into Canada was truly a novel … MORE
I really enjoyed this race that seemed to show runners the “best of” the surrounding area. Running over a bridge with border crossing guards into Canada was truly a novel experience. The stretch along the river in Canada is lovely and the run back through the tunnel a first for me (and about 20 degrees warmer!) The second half of the course isn’t nearly as interesting, but great course support and fans still hanging out at the downtown finish line. Overall, really enjoyable race, even for us back-of-the-pack runners. Thanks Detroit!