Detroit Free Press Marathon
The Lowdown
The Detroit Free Press Marathon, established in 1978, is one of America's most unique and prestigious international marathons. As the only race in North America where runners cross an international border twice during competition, participants experience the thrill of running through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel into Canada and returning via the iconic Ambassador Bridge. This AIMS-certified and Boston Marathon qualifying course showcases the revitalized Motor City, taking runners past historic landmarks, through vibrant downtown districts, and along the scenic Detroit River waterfront. The point-to-point course offers an unforgettable journey through two nations, featuring enthusiastic crowds on both sides of the border and live entertainment throughout. Runners traverse diverse neighborhoods including Mexicantown and Corktown, pass landmarks like Belle Isle and the Renaissance Center, and experience the electric atmosphere of downtown Detroit's finish line. The race weekend includes multiple distance options and has become a celebrated fall tradition in the Great Lakes region. With its flat, fast course and cool October weather, the Detroit Free Press Marathon attracts both competitive runners seeking personal records and international participants drawn to its unique cross-border experience. The race is sanctioned by USA Track & Field and Athletics Canada, making it an official qualifier for major marathons worldwide. The event exemplifies Detroit's spirit of resilience and international cooperation, offering runners an inspiring tour of a city that has reinvented itself while honoring its rich automotive heritage.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Large field
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Excellent spectator turnout
2025 Detroit Free Press Marathon Sells Out All Race Categories
Oct 19, 2025The Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 1-mile, and all challenge series sold out for the 2025 event, with all waitlists also reaching capacity.
Ferndale's Andrew Bowman Wins Second Consecutive Marathon Title
Oct 20, 2025Andrew Bowman successfully defended his title at the 2025 Detroit Free Press Marathon, finishing in 2:16:10 despite challenging windy and rainy conditions on the international course.
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Hart Plaza
Waterfront public plaza in downtown Detroit that serves as the marathon start/finish area
GM Renaissance Center
Iconic downtown Detroit riverfront complex and visible landmark along the riverfront section of the course
Detroit Riverwalk
Scenic paved trail along the Detroit River that runners follow for several miles
Ambassador Bridge
International crossing into Windsor, Ontario (part of the race's international route) offering views over the river and skyline
Belle Isle Park
Large island park in the Detroit River with a bridge approach and scenic loop used by the course
Greektown & Greektown Casino
Historic downtown entertainment and dining district that the route passes through
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Detroit, MI, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Must be at least 16 years old on race day; participants under 18 require parent/guardian consent
- All entrants must complete online registration and electronically sign the race waiver
- Bibs are non-transferable; valid photo ID required for packet pickup
- Participants must be in acceptable physical condition to complete 26.2 miles; medical clearance recommended for those with pre-existing conditions
- Open to all nationalities; international entrants welcome
- Race follows USATF rules; marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying course
- Wheelchair and handcycle competitors must register in the appropriate division and meet event-specific eligibility requirements
- No personal support vehicles, wheeled devices (rollerskates, scooters), strollers, or pets allowed on the course (service animals excepted)
- Participants must obey all course rules and start in assigned corrals
- Course cutoff time: 6 hours 30 minutes from the official start; participants must maintain required paces to remain on course
Required Documents
- Signed race waiver (electronic or printed)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of age (birth certificate or passport, if age-group verification requested)
- Proof of qualifying time for seeded corral (official race result or timing certificate)
- Medical clearance/doctor's note (only if requested for special medical accommodations)
Entry Methods
- Online Registration
- Charity Entry
- Tour Operator
- In-Person/Late Registration at Expo
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable
No refunds if unable to participate
Entry may be transferred to another year
Optional EnMotive Protection Plan available at registration for medical situations
No refunds if event is canceled by organizers or government
The race finishes on the Detroit riverfront at Hart Plaza with scenic views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines.
This is an international course that enters Canada — participants must carry a valid passport or other accepted travel documents for re-entry into the U.S.
Finishers receive a custom medal and a technical long-sleeve shirt, and a post-race festival features food, recovery snacks and a beer garden.
Race weekend includes a health and packet-pickup expo, a family-friendly kids run, and a Saturday pasta dinner option for runners.
Aid stations (water, Gatorade and medical support) are placed roughly every 1.5–2 miles, and organizers recommend using race shuttles and designated spectator zones due to limited downtown parking.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.