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Detroit Free Press Marathon

Detroit, MI
Sunday, October 20, 2024

  4.9 Stars from 15 Reviews

Description

We’re one of the few truly international marathon courses in the world! A true showcase of Detroit, the course features iconic neighborhoods like the historic Woodbridge, the District Detroit, Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut and a finish line at the foot of Campus Martius.

With a wave start, participants are sent off at three-minute intervals beginning at 7 a.m., 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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Race Information

Race Dates

2025: TBD
2024: Sunday, October 20, 2024


Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Loop
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes


Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 51°F (10°C)
Average High: 58°F (14°C)
Average Low: 44° F (6°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.12
Course Score: 99.12


Race Size

2024: 3,659 Finishers
2023: 3,077 Finishers
2022: 2,269 Finishers
2021: 1,976 Finishers
2020: No Results
2019: 3,206 Finishers


BQ Percentages

2024: 5.7%
2023: 7.4%
2022: 8%
2021: 8.2%
2020: N/A
2019: 5.6%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes


Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 60°F  (16°C)
Low: 43°F  (6°C)

Race Start Conditions

46°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 77%

Clear
SW 7 mph

PR Score

98.54

Course Score

99.1





How does the Detroit Free Press Marathon Rank?


The Detroit Free Press Marathon was the 21st largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 27th largest in 2022.

This year 5.7% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 7.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.

This gives the Detroit Free Press Marathon the 256th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 241st highest percentage so far in 2024.


Its Course Score of 99.12 ranks it as the 179th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 7th fastest course in Michigan.

The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Detroit Free Press Marathon a PR Score of 99.12. This PR Score ranks it as the 128th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 4th fastest in Michigan.

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.


Detroit Free Press Marathon Elevation Chart

Max Elevation: 740 feet (225m)
Min Elevation: 538 feet (164m)

Elevation Gain: 388 feet (118m)
Elevation Loss: 397 feet (121m)


Detroit
Course updated 09/03/2024



Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the
Detroit Free Press Marathon

View available accomodations around the Detroit Free Press Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.


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How Fast Can You Go?


If you ran the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 3:13:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.




Recent Detroit Free Press Marathon Reviews

4.9 Stars from 15 Reviews
View all Reviews





AB's review of 2018 Detroit Free Press Marathon.   

5 / 5 Stars

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 Detroit Free Press Marathon.   

5 / 5 Stars

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 Detroit Free Press Marathon.   

5 / 5 Stars

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 Detroit Free Press Marathon.   

5 / 5 Stars

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.


JAckie's review of 2016 Detroit Free Press Marathon.   

5 / 5 Stars

Review

Crossing international borders is an amazing feeling running over the bridge & then back through the tunnel.


Race Tips

This marathon has hills!!!! Just because Windsor & Detroit r flat the on ramp to the ambassador bridge & the ramp to come out the tunnel can take a toll!!! Practise hill running!


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