Detroit Free Press Marathon vs Grand Rapids Marathon — Marathon Comparison

BAM's review of 2024 race.   

Review

Though it feels a lot smaller than some of the other city marathons, Detroit is a great race: some incredible sights (running across the Ambassador Bridge lives up to the hype, as does running back through the tunnel and getting to see this historic city) and though the crowds are sparse in places, the people are incredibly supportive and the volunteers are just amazing.

Race Tips

It's a pretty flat, fast course with an early start (7am) = all pluses. The miles (ca. 19-23) through the beautiful neighborhood of Indian Village are a highlight and all the neighbors come out to cheer. It's great.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The course is very easy to get to from all locations downtown and the official site makes it easy to pick from a range of accessible hotels at all price levels. The Cambria is two blocks from the starting line!

AB's review of 2018 race.   

Review

I am a race walker and did this full marathon for the first time beginning to end. I have race walked it three other times in the half. I'm now sold on the full! Two countries, bridge and tunnel ascent and descent! The East of Woodward half is beautiful, with the route snaking through some of the D’s nicest neighborhoods. This half of the course is mostly flat, but there are a few camouflaged slow ascent hills! Practice hill running/walking!

Race Tips

Practice, practice and more practice on hills! They have sent to the ambassador bridge pinnacle is about 1 mile. From the bottom of the Detroit Windsor tunnel the ascent is about a half a mile. Both are steep and will test one's endurance. Also, the wind can blow strongly off the Detroit River at the beginning of the race and on the Belle Isle section of the race.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay at a hotel with a parking garage. Something centrally located near the starting point at Fort and Shelby Streets. Greektown and the RenCen are good locations. If that is not an option, arrive early to find parking and plan to practice patience when leaving.

IWB's review of 2017 race.   

Review

I really enjoyed the route. Crossed over into Canada by bridge and back to Detroit through an underwater tunnel. Well marked course and plenty of spectators. Well organized. Tons of visible security. Extremely windy this year but could easily be a PR if you get great weather.

Race Tips

Bag check was a little too far from start/finish line would be better not to check a bag. Definitely start this race slowly as your biggest hill is mile 3.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Plan ahead for meals after the marathon. Many places not open late on Sunday. If you stay in a hotel downtown it is a short walk to the start/finish line.

LM's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Flat and fast, bridge and run into Canada was super cool. Nice race, fun to cross borders during a marathon. Traffic and parking sucked before the race.

Race Tips

Get there super early for parking and traffic. Quite flat. Savor the sunrise over the bridge into Canada and just enjoy it.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

The race sent out list of parking garages and places. Just make sure you get there early. Also I sat in parking garage for 3 hours after race in traffic just to get out of the garage, so don't plan to get anywhere in a hurry after the race if you're anywhere on an upper-level in the garages.

Sah's review of 2016 race.   

Review

It's international 2 countries, run over a Bridge, through a tunnel, and a major city's downtown.

Race Tips

Train hills the bridge and tunnel can be tough.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I liked the MGM GRAND.

E's review of 2024 race.   

Review

Great organization. Pace support was fantastic (multiple vocal pacers for the sub-3 group). Plenty of aid stations (every ~1.5/2 miles).

Race Tips

Flat, fast course.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

AMP's review of 2023 race.   

Review

Absolutely fantastic race, the best I've ever been a part of. The race director is amazing at communicating and pushes daily emails during the last week to make sure runners are up to date on everything for race day. Expo was great with lots of vendors.

Race Tips

The first few miles are a loop around Grand Rapids and very flat. Easy to settle into a groove and lock in your race pace. Not a lot of tall buildings around to throw off your GPS.

The 'hilly' stretch is from mile 7 to 9.5 and is very gently rolling. Get a friend to chat with during this section and it'll be passed before you know it. Heading into the lake section can be tricky if you're trying to keep a quick pace. Lots of sharp-ish turns and short hills.

Once you pass 14 miles it's pretty much nothing but long straight roads. The mental game comes in here since there's not a lot of crowd support in the woods.

The last couple miles to the finish are great. Heading back into town has a few more gentle turns and minimal elevation changes. A slight downhill during the final stretch.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

There's plenty of parking at the start/finish area for $4 or walk from your hotel. There's also some street parking for free on Sundays in Grand Rapids. There's an optional early start for folks who are going to take more than 6 hours so it helps to get to the starting area and parked prior to them stepping off (7am).
Start/Finish area is fantastic.

-Gear check was quick and well staffed.
-Tons of portable toilets so no lines anywhere.
-Great snacks and drinks after the finish.
-Beer tent was well stocked and they had a grill going with brats.

The YMCA next to the start/finish is open to the public on race day so you can pop in for a quick shower (bring your own towel). Very useful if you're driving home immediately after or waiting on slower friends to finish their run.

JJW's review of 2019 race.   

Review

It's a great local marathon- easy to get to, good weather, and fairly flat. There was not a whole lot of spectators, but other than that it was nice.

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

sm's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Race Tips

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Anonymous's review of 2016 race.   

Review

Very well organized race and a beautiful course! I would have loved a bit more of a bigger beer tent at the finish, given it's Beer City :) Beautiful course, just the right amount of crowd support. I was expecting a few minor hills but the course felt very flat, to me, which was great. Pickle juice on the course was nice. The volunteers were AMAZING!!!

Race Tips

There's a small stretch around mile 24 that isn't very scenic and there is no crowd support (due to location) - just remember you're almost done - the pacers got vocal here (in a good way) - shouting encouragement and counting down to the finish. The pacers were phenomenal.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Great hotel options in walking distance to the Y!