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.
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 250th 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 127th 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)
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 5:57:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
