Detroit Free Press Marathon
Detroit Free Press Marathon
( 121 reviews )-
Detroit,
Michigan,
United States - October
- 13.1 miles/Half Marathon, 26.2 miles/Marathon, Virtual Race
- Road Race
- Event Website
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J MacBane
Michigan, United StatesOverall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
This was the first year the race had a challenge series. There was the Supreme (1 mile, 5K, Marathon), Wonder (1 mile, 5K, International Half Marathon) and Temptation (1 mile, 5K). I signed up for the Supreme Challenge. This would only be my second marathon and I wanted to make it special.
The expo was well organized. You enter the expo and the first area you come to is the packet pickup. From having run this race before, I had my enhanced driver's license with me so I could pick up my packet. You need to have a passport or enhanced driver's license with you to pick up your packet IF you are running the Marathon or International Half Marathon. At the end of the expo, at the RunDetroit booth, there was a video showing what the course looks like. I really like this idea. This helps give runners a quick visual look of the course and maybe help give some landmarks to look out for during the race.
The 1 mile and 5K are on Saturday. Both races are held at the same location. If you ran one of the Challenge Series races, you get the finisher medal for both races.
The Marathon was on Sunday. Both Marathon and International Half Marathon runners start at the same time. The course takes you over the Ambassador Bridge to Canada and back to the USA through the Windsor Tunnel. Once you cross the half way point and break away from the half marathoners, there aren't as many runners, but there still are people along the course cheering you on.
Overall, I would recommend this race. It's well organized. There are plenty of fluid stations along the course. The course is well marked. It's the only day where you can run a mile under water, crossing international borders (through the Windsor Tunnel).