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.
Incredible Race!
I have run the Detroit International Half Marathon for the last ten or so years. It is one of my all time favorite races. When the weather cooperates (which it … MORE
I have run the Detroit International Half Marathon for the last ten or so years. It is one of my all time favorite races. When the weather cooperates (which it didn’t this year), you are treating to a beautiful sunrise over the city of Detroit while running across the Ambassador Bridge. The portion of the race through Canada is along the waterfront with leads to a great view of the city and freighters traversing the Detroit River. The run through the Windsor Tunnel back to the U.S. is surprisingly challenging since it is quite a bit warmer (and stuffy) compared to the outside air. The last five miles through Detroit take you up and down Woodward Ave. next to Little Caesars Arena and Comerica Park.
There is a lot of positive energy in the city for the race. The volunteers could not be more friendly and supportive. There are a lot of spectators cheering the runners on and the race is impeccably organized. The race has grown in popularity and has sold out in recent years. I just hope they never have to go to a lottery system like the Chicago Marathon does because I have terrible luck and would never win an entry 🙂 At any rate, I look forward to running The Freep again next year. It is the G.O.A.T. of half marathons!
Detroit Free Press 5K
The 5K has the same start and finish line right by the Detroit Riverwalk not too far from the Mariner's Church. It was a nice easy run. Again, if you … MORE
The 5K has the same start and finish line right by the Detroit Riverwalk not too far from the Mariner’s Church. It was a nice easy run. Again, if you are running a 9 min/mile pace you want to be closer to the front.
Detroit Free Press 1 Miler
The 1 miler had a hill after the first turn and right before the end. If you are running anything under a 9 minute mile you want to be closer … MORE
The 1 miler had a hill after the first turn and right before the end. If you are running anything under a 9 minute mile you want to be closer to the front. The medal was nice, and the course ran along the Detroit River Walk at the end. D
International Half Marathon
I ran the International Half from Detroit into Windsor, Canada and back and this was an awesome event. Tons of runners, A+ organization, large well organized expo, tons of crowd … MORE
I ran the International Half from Detroit into Windsor, Canada and back and this was an awesome event. Tons of runners, A+ organization, large well organized expo, tons of crowd support and I especially rally enjoyed the crowds in Canada, iconic running over the bridge into Canada and back through the underwater tunnel. I did the Wonder Challenge which included a 1M and a 5K the day before. The weather was rainy and windy but the crowds were still out in full force. And the volunteers – again A+++. Perfect race for first timers- vibes and energy non-stop!
High Energy Race
Races takes you into Canada and back, lots of energy and spirit in this race, Windsor gives you a very warm welcome. It was windy and raining when I ran … MORE
Races takes you into Canada and back, lots of energy and spirit in this race, Windsor gives you a very warm welcome. It was windy and raining when I ran this but I still enjoyed the race.
Fun to run into/out of Canada!
Great race production and set up. Ran the International Half - across the bridge into Canada, and through the tunnel back to the States. Lots of support around (although quiet … MORE
Great race production and set up. Ran the International Half – across the bridge into Canada, and through the tunnel back to the States. Lots of support around (although quiet in some areas). The year I ran the weather was beautiful but a tad hot. I also ran the 1 miler and 5k on Saturday for the challenge medal. A little disappointed there wasn’t free beer at the finish (there was beer, but it was only for sale).
Detroit to Windsor and back!
A real international half and full! I completed the half and I have to say it was a great experience! I really loved the 3 miles through Windsor Canada (it's … MORE
A real international half and full! I completed the half and I have to say it was a great experience! I really loved the 3 miles through Windsor Canada (it’s so clean on that side lol), and all of the people involved in it were so helpful and seriously excited for everyone else. The bridge is an amazing sight and passing through it into another country makes it that much more iconic! Highly recommend!
Wonderful Race
Running into Canada as the sun was rising was the best part of this marathon. Course was great. Some of the back half of the course had little spectators and … MORE
Running into Canada as the sun was rising was the best part of this marathon. Course was great. Some of the back half of the course had little spectators and the file stretch back downtown was awesome.
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!