Overall Rating
Overall Rating (115 Reviews)
4.2
(115 Ratings)  (115 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
3
SCENERY
4.2
PRODUCTION
4.3
SWAG
4
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 … MORE
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Recent reviews

    kellrox FIRST-TIMER '23

    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.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
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    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
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    amy.schaumburg FIRST-TIMER '23

    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!

    DIFFICULTY
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    SCENERY
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    DaynaSki66 FIRST-TIMER '23

    Awesome experience! Bridge was tough but other than that, easy course. Well organized, decent swag, getting out of downtown after was a little tough, due to all the road closure's. MORE

    Awesome experience! Bridge was tough but other than that, easy course. Well organized, decent swag, getting out of downtown after was a little tough, due to all the road closure’s.

    DIFFICULTY
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    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
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    SWAG
    5
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    gdelga3 FIRST-TIMER '23

    First time racer!! Enjoy the energy and the views of both Detroit side and Canada!! Be sure to participate in the after race events! I cannot wait till next year … MORE

    First time racer!! Enjoy the energy and the views of both Detroit side and Canada!! Be sure to participate in the after race events! I cannot wait till next year to beat my time!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    M_Sohaskey Jan 25, 2024 at 2:49pm

    Well done George, and congrats on your first half marathon! Hopefully the first of many! 👏🏅

    Well done George, and congrats on your first half marathon! Hopefully the first of many! 👏🏅

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    jahbrink REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Running the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor Tunnel is always a good time, but the swag for this race has been going downhill the past several years. The amount and quality … MORE

    Running the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor Tunnel is always a good time, but the swag for this race has been going downhill the past several years. The amount and quality have both declined despite rising race prices. Losing New Balance as a sponsor has had a negative impact.

    DIFFICULTY
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    2

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    stacijwilliams FIRST-TIMER '23

    I participated in the challenge (International Half, 5k, and 1 mile) and had a great time in Detroit. The 5k and 1 mile course did not overlap the half course, … MORE

    I participated in the challenge (International Half, 5k, and 1 mile) and had a great time in Detroit. The 5k and 1 mile course did not overlap the half course, so it was nice to see different areas of the city. It was very neat to run across the Ambassador Bridge and return through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel. There was great crowd support even for slower runners, which is not always the case. With the exception of the bridge, there was minimal elevation gain. My only minor complaint on the swag is that all 3 medals were identical, with just the distance varied. The challenge medal was a turntable that actually spins!

    Overall it was an exceptionally well run race with a fun and supported course. If I was local this would be on my calendar every year.

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    Necks97 REPEAT RUNNER '23

    Last year the race was somewhat unorganized at the finish line with the new post-COVID route. This year however they rocked it! This is Detroit!!! MORE

    Last year the race was somewhat unorganized at the finish line with the new post-COVID route. This year however they rocked it! This is Detroit!!!

    DIFFICULTY
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    SCENERY
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    3
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    jfickler FIRST-TIMER '23

    This was a fun one for sure. Loved going over the bridge to Canada, and then coming back through the tunnel to the US. NOTE, the tunnel is FAST, LOUD, … MORE

    This was a fun one for sure. Loved going over the bridge to Canada, and then coming back through the tunnel to the US. NOTE, the tunnel is FAST, LOUD, and HOT. But I think it was the best part of the whole race.

    The production was fantastic, photos delivered immediately. Even with border patrol, it was ran perfectly. Had a fun race and the course was very flat (minus the bridge but I walked it).

    Overall, fantastic time and would highly recommend!

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    donknox FIRST-TIMER '23

    I did the Supreme Challenge (1 mile, 5k on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday) and the only distance I wanted to put max effort in was the 1 - … MORE

    I did the Supreme Challenge (1 mile, 5k on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday) and the only distance I wanted to put max effort in was the 1 – miler. I did ok in the 1 miler but the weather was not great and I still have not shaken the idea of falling on slick surfaces. That said – all of us had the same conditions so even with perfect conditions – my place standing would have been the same (tied for 4th in AG). The mile and 5k courses were nice. A little hill after 200 meters of flat and then a slight down hill the rest of the way. My Garmin map of the 5k looks like an Easter Island moai.
    The marathon was amazing. This was our anniversary trip (35) and it was worth it. We ran over the Ambassador Bridge – this is a major crossing between the USA and Canada and they shut the whole thing down for us – same with the tunnel. You run about 5-6 miles along the waterfront in Windsor ON and then back to the USA through the tunnel – a mile in length underwater (Detroit River). From there – through some of the nicer parts of Detroit. The course after coming up out of the tunnel is fairly flat. Lots of hydration (seemed to be every 3/4 of a mile) and there were two”shot-block” stops on the marathon route – only had to eat two GUs. The finishers’ medals are really very nice. The finish line was a bit confusing and we did not get our Challenge medals because we never saw a sign or tent to pick them up – no worries – the Race Organization is supposed to mail them to us. Do note that if you sign up for any of the challenges – you get a nice rain run jacket (this time and changes each year) but only the shirt for the longest distance. So, if you are after shirts – be forewarned. The communication from the race was excellent lots of updates but not information overload. I took this run slow because I wanted to “sight-see” while running and I was not disappointed. The crowds were great and plentiful.
    The best part of the entire trip was that we were very close to Niagara Falls – so we went and stayed on the Canadian side. We also got to complete the HOMES. Lake Huron when we got to Detroit (not so short trip up I-94 with bump and go traffic) and then Lake Erie (Port Glasgow ON) and the Lake Ontario in Hamilton and St Catharine’s. Motor City Casino was nice and that is where we stayed for the marathon weekend and we had a room in Niagara Falls overlooking the Falls. In all – if not for many other races we want to do – this would be a “do again”.

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    donknox Feb 07, 2024 at 6:20am

    Edit - never received the challenge medals.

    Edit - never received the challenge medals.

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    ellenp123 FIRST-TIMER '23

    5th marathon and 1st Detroit marathon, so glad I got to experience this one! It was a great way to explore the city AND what a cool experience to run … MORE

    5th marathon and 1st Detroit marathon, so glad I got to experience this one! It was a great way to explore the city AND what a cool experience to run across the international bridge at sunrise.

    Top-notch organization: great pre-race communication, efficient expo, very knowledgeable volunteers, tons of well-run aid stations (19 for the marathon!), plenty of porta-potties (no lines even at the start!). Wave start made it never too congested. Only thing to know is they don’t have much food at the aid stations: all had gatorade but just two stations had clif blocks. I always bring my own fuel so this was a non-issue for me, I just took water at the aid stations and ate my own gels. But good to know so you can plan ahead.

    Course: Very flat and fast, the only real hill is up and over the bridge at mile ~3. The tunnel is stuffy but it’s only about a mile long and pretty early (~mile 7). Very twisty course with lots of right-angle turns had its pros and cons: hard to take the shortest line but on the other hand it was windy and this kept us from ever having to run with a headwind for too long at a time.

    Swag: Nice long sleeve technical tee and a buff. Big medal. Lots of little snack freebies. Swag isn’t super important to me but I’ll make good use of the tee and buff.

    Community support was the best part. There were tons of people out cheering in all the different Detroit neighborhoods and across the bridge in Windsor. We passed back through a central area a few times which made it easy for spectators to find us multiple times during the race. Lots of live music and DJs out – a highlight was a saxophone player on the Dequindre Cut ~mile 18. It was fun to have our names printed on our bibs and lots of people cheered for us by name.

    Also had great weather and ran a huge PR, so that helps too 🙂

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    cfconwayiii FIRST-TIMER '23

    Pre race communication was excellent Expo was huge and had everything you might need or want Staff and volunteers were first class Course was very scenic, with a hill across … MORE

    Pre race communication was excellent
    Expo was huge and had everything you might need or want
    Staff and volunteers were first class
    Course was very scenic, with a hill across the Ambassador’s Bridge and tunnel back into USA
    Aid stations were plentiful
    Swag was okay with a nice medal and a long sleeve T-shirt
    Recovery area was great with plenty of post race snacks
    I would definitely recommend this race

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    TatumBurke FIRST-TIMER '22

    Definitely explored my soul after 7 marathons in 6 weeks and this one was my 2nd marathon in one weekend (Baltimore the day before). The spectators were incredible but the … MORE

    Definitely explored my soul after 7 marathons in 6 weeks and this one was my 2nd marathon in one weekend (Baltimore the day before). The spectators were incredible but the Canada fans were absolutely spectacular (so loud and enthusiastic) and watching the sunrise running over the Ambassador Bridge was INCREDIBLE! I was suppose to start in Corral A, but decided to go with Corral G the back of the pack in order to see the sunrise knowing darn well I would be trapped behind thousands of runners/walkers at a slower pace but it was worth it to see that sunrise! It’s not always about the clock but the journey! Truly enjoyed this experience and I will definitely be back to do this one again!
    The race bib pickup, especially being an international event, was so smooth! I was able to get off a flight, grab the bib and board 1.5 hours later for a flight to run Baltimore Marathon the day before and then return and run Detroit! Loved this experience!
    Also, one of my favorite medals of all time! I love the combination of Canada/America flags displayed on the medal!

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    HeatherBryans FIRST-TIMER '22

    International Half Marathon. Over the bridge to Windsor Ontario back through the Tunnel into Detroit. Fans on both sides of the border were awesome. Production well done. Average swag, post … MORE

    International Half Marathon.
    Over the bridge to Windsor Ontario back through the Tunnel into Detroit. Fans on both sides of the border were awesome.
    Production well done.
    Average swag, post race snacks need an upgrade.
    Well run social media groups as well.
    Hoping to run again in 2024.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
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    TyCook FIRST-TIMER '22

    This was a well organized race that included a marathon, a relay, the International half, and a U.S.-only half! That a lot of logistics. Ran across the Ambassador Bridge into … MORE

    This was a well organized race that included a marathon, a relay, the International half, and a U.S.-only half! That a lot of logistics. Ran across the Ambassador Bridge into Canada – the highlight – and ran a few miles there before running through the Detroit-Windsor tunnel back into Detroit. Excellent pre/post race. Great swag! Overall, this was an excellent race that I highly recommend.

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    kgephart FIRST-TIMER '22

    Loved running over the Ambassador Bridge and back through the tunnel. Besides the Bridge hill, the others sneak up on you. My quads are still burning! It was a wonderful … MORE

    Loved running over the Ambassador Bridge and back through the tunnel. Besides the Bridge hill, the others sneak up on you. My quads are still burning! It was a wonderful course, well coordinated, awesome crowd support, and a TON of runners. The after party wasn’t set up yet when I finished and you didn’t get any free warm food or drinks after. Not a deal breaker for me, though. I had a great experience!

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    aubreynetzel FIRST-TIMER '22

    I ran the domestic half marathon, while I wasn’t necessarily expecting to like it as I wasn’t the biggest fan of Detroit and the race day logistics, the race totally … MORE

    I ran the domestic half marathon, while I wasn’t necessarily expecting to like it as I wasn’t the biggest fan of Detroit and the race day logistics, the race totally made up for it. It is so well planned and coordinated with road closures, volunteers, and timing of everything. It’s a larger event so you always have other runners around you and there are lots of Pacers to help you meet your goal times. Will definitely do in the future!

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    The community support for this race is everything. At one point a woman from the crowd saw I was about to walk at mile 24 and started to jog alongside … MORE

    The community support for this race is everything. At one point a woman from the crowd saw I was about to walk at mile 24 and started to jog alongside me for a few feet and shout encouragement and I ended up running the rest of the way (if she’s reading this THANK YOU SO MUCH). I ran this with family, and we all enjoyed running through and seeing the various neighborhoods and the after party which involved an incredible live band, food, and beer as well as water and chocolate milk depending on your post race cold beverage of choice. This race truly had some of the kindest people volunteering and cheering in it offering water, jelly beans, encouragement, and even a fireball shot at one point (not that we partook) and it’s not too hilly for those who like a flatter course. I cannot recommend this race enough and have Strava friends from runners I met during the race who I think would say the same!

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    Runnerkaty FIRST-TIMER '21

    We stayed in a downtown hotel to walk everywhere and it was perfect. The race is fun, nice expo and swag. The afterparty was okay....would have been nice to have … MORE

    We stayed in a downtown hotel to walk everywhere and it was perfect. The race is fun, nice expo and swag. The afterparty was okay….would have been nice to have a little more food (other than a banana and granola bar). The beer was for sale, not free. The people and volunteers were wonderfully friendly!

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    mle.kathryn FIRST-TIMER '21

    Even without the trip to Canada it was great! The course was flat for the half. Plenty of water stations. Maybe some more bathrooms on the course. I waited till … MORE

    Even without the trip to Canada it was great! The course was flat for the half. Plenty of water stations. Maybe some more bathrooms on the course. I waited till almost the end because of the long lines. Love the spectators they made the event special 🙂

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    DrewNYC FIRST-TIMER '21

    **NOTE THIS REVIEW IS FROM 2021 - RACE DID NOT GO INTO CANADA THIS YEAR.** I have planned to run the Detroit Free Press Marathon as my Michigan marathon ever … MORE

    **NOTE THIS REVIEW IS FROM 2021 – RACE DID NOT GO INTO CANADA THIS YEAR.**

    I have planned to run the Detroit Free Press Marathon as my Michigan marathon ever since I decided to run all 50 states (back in 2009). One of the reasons was that this race typically runs into Canada. Unfortunately, this year (2021) the course was altered because of COVID. I will definitely return to run the half marathon of this race weekend so that I can get the full “run into Canada” experience.

    I remain extremely grateful for the race organizers who are putting together races during this time. Despite the alterations made to the course and the weekend, this was a well run event and I would definitely recommend.

    I signed up for the “Supreme” – I ran the 1-miler and 5k races on Saturday and the marathon on Sunday. I came home with three medals, a long sleeve technical shirt, and a zipped up hoodie, so the swag was great!

    I stayed at the Marriott at the Renaissance Center. This was sort of in the center of the weekend events (1-miler & 5k were in one direction and the expo and marathon start/finish was in the other).

    The course was mostly flat–there were more speed bumps then hills. Of course, that all changed in the last mile. That is where there were two hills! Race directors must love putting hills in at the end.

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