The double loop Ann Arbor Marathon starts and finishes near The Big House. Participants run through downtown Ann Arbor, then wind their way through the city's streets and parks as well as the University of Michigan campus. The course also encompasses stretches along the Huron River and Gallup Park and through Nichols Arboretum before returning to campus and downtown.
The Ann Arbor Marathon was the 204th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 180th largest in 2022.
This year 5.4% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 4.4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Ann Arbor Marathon the 359th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 262nd highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 97.36 ranks it as the 360th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 13th 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 Ann Arbor Marathon a PR Score of 97.36. This PR Score ranks it as the 308th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 9th fastest in Michigan.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Ann Arbor Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 938 feet (285m) Min Elevation: 747 feet (227m)
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The volunteers and staff are wonderful, extremely well-organized and supportive.
The course tends to be fairly well-marked, though it's not a great course. There are lots of hills, sharp turns/corners (including 3 tight u-turns in the full marathon), several places where runners need to step on and off of curbs, and the course ends with a hill through a park that is pretty unsafe. The race directors seem to love it, but all of the runners despise it. It's not only steep and lasts for 1/2 mile, it's poorly maintained and made up of loose dirt, gravel, stones, sticks, and holes. Runners had to watch for stones being kicked by anyone in front of them. They also can't close the hill as it's in a public park, so there were families with children, strollers, and bikes blocking the route and forcing runners to zigzag around obstacles. I expect a few people get hurt on that hill every year, especially if it happens to rain on race day.
There are frequent aid stations, though in 2023 about half of them ran out of cups, so full marathon runners couldn't count on them for hydration during the last 1/3-1/2 of the race.
Some parts of the course were pretty, but overall not a great experience. I've done it a couple of times but I don't think I would do it again unless they change the course.
Race Tips
Unless they change the course, I'd recommend doing some training on loose, uneven dirt and rocks so you'll feel safer on the section of trail that goes through the arboretum.
If you can, go to the expo the day before the race to pick up your bib and shirt. It was quite frantic in the morning before the race. If you need to pick up your bib or check a bag before the race, get there with plenty of time to spare.
GDQ's review of 2013 Ann Arbor Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The course was great. The course takes you through parts of downtown, along Geddes road, through parts of UM main campus and north campus, along the river in through Huron River Park, up Huron Parkway, through the Arb, around Michigan Stadium. The Briarwood mall section is a welcome long flat stretch at around Mile 21. Lots of logistical support, plenty of great volunteers. Loved having the pacers. Enjoyed the band playing for the runners in Huron River Park. Lunch at the finish line.
4 Stars from 2 Reviews
