A presidential campaign event happening adjacent to the expo at Huntington Center on Friday necessitates changes and increased security.

DETROIT – Oct. 16, 2024) On Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press Marathon learned that the recently announced presidential campaign event scheduled for Friday, Oct. 18, at the Huntington Center in Detroit will necessitate adjusting plans for the annual Health & Fitness Expo.

The expo will take place from 1-7 p.m. Friday as scheduled, and hours on Saturday, Oct. 19 have been extended from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

The campaign event is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Friday. Here are key details related to security protocols that will be in effect at Huntington Place on Friday only:

• The expo is moving from Hall B to Hall A for the weekend. This will create a more isolated area between the expo and the security perimeter of the campaign event on Friday. This moves the expo to the more northern portion of Huntington Center closer to Congress St.
• From noon-2 p.m. Fri., the Huntington Center’s rooftop deck will be closed.
• Once the deck reopens, there will be a security checkpoint at the bottom of the helix on Congress St. The Secret Service will check each vehicle wanting to park on the rooftop deck. Expect delays. It is recommended to avoid the rooftop deck parking on Friday.
• If attendees elect to park on the roof, they are encouraged to use Towers One or Two to reach the Huntington Center concourse. Using Tower Three will bring attendees into a security area.
• The Detroit Police Department will be on Washington Blvd. directing traffic. They will allow vehicles to pull into the Huntington Place fire lane/VIP Circle.
  Potential road closures may affect travel to and from the expo around the time of the campaign event.

All security protocols are subject to change.

Unlike most races, the Detroit Free Press Marathon’s international course requires participants to attend the expo in person and present their international travel (WHTI-compliant) documents to pick up bibs for Sunday races. The Expo is expecting more than 50,000 guests on Friday and Saturday. The race’s goal is to ensure that participants can pick up their bibs with as little impact as possible.

“We appreciate all the folks who are working extra hard to make sure bib pickup runs smoothly and the expo remains a great experience for our guests. We particularly want to shout out the Huntington Place and Convention & Show Services staff, the Teamsters helping build out our expo space, my dedicated race staff and our tremendous volunteers.” said Aaron Velthoven, vice president and race director. “We’re Detroiters, and we’re going to roll up our sleeves and get the job done.”

*** NOTE: In the past week, we’ve shared releases that featured the race’s best human-interest angles and must-know info about its various events. They can be found at this LINK. We are glad to resend them if helpful.
Additionally, we will be distributing another release on Wednesday, Oct. 16, providing specific details for live coverage on the weekend’s events. ***

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon: The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held October 18-20, 2024. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. For the first time in its history, all off its Sunday races — including the Marathon and both half-marathons — have sold out. All for the first time, the marathon introduced an Elite Field in 2024, virtually guaranteeing a faster and more competitive race to the finish line.

For Detroit Free Press Marathon photos, go here: LINK.

From Friday through Sunday, the weekend will include eight races, multiple parties, an expo and much more. Here’s everything you need to know about Michigan’s largest participant event.

(DETROIT – Oct. 14, 2024) When the Detroit Free Press Marathon Presented by MSU Federal Credit Union arrives this weekend (Oct. 18-20), it will feature more than 26,000 registered runners across eight races, including several that sold out for the first time ever.

“With the unprecedented interest from runners and this year’s addition of an Elite Field, 2024 is shaping up to be one of the best — and most significant — years in race history,” said Aaron Velthoven, race director and vice president. “We can’t wait to show off Detroit and provide an amazing experience for our participants.”

The Detroit Free Press Marathon provides a wide variety of opportunities for media coverage — both in advance and during the weekend. Below are key facts that can get your stories started.

*** NOTE: On Wednesday, we’ll share one more release that provides some when-where-how specifics for live coverage over the weekend. If you have questions in the meantime, please reach out. ***

• The 47h annual event is the largest international race in North America.
• More than 26,000 people registered for races — a record. Events include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. Tens of thousands of spectators, supporters and volunteers also are expected.
• For the first time, many of the events sold out, including all the Sunday races (Marathon, International Half, Motor City Half and Marathon Relay).
• The crossing of the U.S.-Canadian border remains the signature feature of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Marathon and International Half-Marathon runners will enter Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and return to the U.S. through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The Marathon course highlights the Windsor riverfront and showcases some of Detroit’s finest features, including Downtown, District Detroit, Midtown, Woodbridge, Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut and Indian Village.
• Among Saturday races, the 5K is also sold out. Until capacity is reached, registration remains open for these Saturday morning races: 1-Mile, Kids Marathon, and the Little Detroit Dash. Saturday races are held on the Detroit Riverfront in the vicinity of William Milliken State Park.
• The weekend officially begins with the Health & Fitness Expo, held Friday and Saturday at Huntington Place in Detroit. This is where participants pick up their race bibs. It also offers Detroit Free Press Marathon apparel and vendors featuring the latest in running footwear, clothing, nutrition, technology and much more. The expo is free and open to the public. Hours: 1-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday.
• The marathon is hosting an Elite Field for the first time this year, attracting more than 80 elite athletes from Michigan, Canada and around North America to race in Detroit. This should result in some of the most competitive and quickest finishes in race history.
• Ferndale husband-and-wife duo Andrew Bowman and Sydney Devore are the No. 1 seeds in the Marathon’s men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. The married runners both have previously won the Pittsburgh Marathon, and she qualified for two Olympic Trials (2020 & 2024). He Olympic-qualified in 2024.
• For the first time, the race is hosting an on-stage awards ceremony for winning runners. It happens at 11 a.m. Sunday at Campus Martius as part of Conquered, the official race afterparty.
• Conquered runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. and will include multiple food trucks, photo opportunities, the chance to congratulate runners, and a live performance by Detroit band Lyrical Heat. The party is free and open to all.
• Other events of note include the Official Warm-Up Party at 7-9 p.m. Friday at Second Best bar in Detroit, and the 7th Annual Blessing of the Sneakers at 5 p.m. Saturday at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Detroit.

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon: The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held October 18-20, 2024. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. For the first time in its history, all off its Sunday races — including the Marathon and both half-marathons — have sold out. All for the first time, the marathon introduced an Elite Field in 2024, virtually guaranteeing a faster and more competitive race to the finish line.

For Detroit Free Press Marathon photos, go here: LINK.

The Light International Pale Ale was brewed by Detroit’s Eastern Market Brewing Co. and will be available beginning race weekend.

(DETROIT – Oct. 8, 2024) When Detroit Free Press Marathon runners cross the finish line on Oct. 20, they just might want to celebrate with some Motor City Miles.

No, not more running.

Motor City Miles is the name of the new beer brewed specifically for the race. Produced by Detroit’s Eastern Market Brewing Co., the international pale ale will be available at multiple locations throughout the weekend, including at Conquered, the race’s official afterparty in downtown Detroit.

Its style and label tip hats to the marathon’s signature feature: the crossing of an international border. Crisp and refreshing, it is perfect for the finish line, with subtle hints of noble hops and a delicate banana finish.

The label references both Canada and the United States, including a visage of the Ambassador Bridge, which runners traverse at the outset of the Marathon and International Half-Marathon.

“Eastern Market is known for great beer, and a strong commitment to Detroit and the state, which are the main reasons we wanted to work with them,” said Aaron Velthoven, vice president and executive race director. “But there’s also been a real kismet to the partnership because as a company, EMBC really gets — and embraces — running culture.”

The company’s original location, on Riopelle in Eastern Market, is less than a block from the Marathon route. Its new Elephant & Co. brewery, on Charlotte in downtown Detroit, is within a block of the Marathon, International Half-Marathon and Motor City Half-Marathon courses. Both locations will carry the beer (cans and on draft) during the marathon weekend, Oct. 18-20.

“I ran the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 2016, the same year we hatched the plan to open a brewery in Eastern Market,” said Dayne Bartscht, founder of Eastern Market Brewing Co.

“I’ll always remember rush-ordering a shirt with our name on the back, fully aware that everyone passing me would get a good look. I credit my slow pace for the growth that led to us crafting a beer for the marathon!”

Bartscht is not the only EMBC employee with a direct connection to the race. Emma Leech, the lead brewer at EMBC’s production facility in Royal Oak, is heading the creation of the beer, which balances fruity yeast esters with a smooth, bready, pilsner malt backbone. She’ll be running the race.

“I’ve been a runner for a long time, but this will be my first-ever marathon — very excited and feeling ready,” said Leech. “This beer is a favorite of mine, and I’m stoked it’s the official beer of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Can’t wait to have one at the finish line. Cheers!”

In addition to its availability through Parc at the Conquered afterparty in Campus Martius and the EMBC locations, Motor City Miles will be featured at Huntington Place for the marathon’s Expo, at Downtown Detroit bar Second Best for the Official Warm-Up Party, and for retail sales at Meijer Rivertown Market in Detroit.

The Conquered afterparty is held annually in Campus Martius and adjoining Cadillac Square – just about a block from the finish line. It runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Oct. 20 and will include multiple food trucks, photo opportunities, the chance to congratulate runners, an awards ceremony for winners, and a live performance by Detroit band Lyrical Heat. The party is free and open to all.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Detroit Free Press Marathon                                           Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Steve Byrne                                                                           Dayne Bartscht
spbyrne31@gmail.com                                                    dayne@easternmarket.beer

For a photo of Motor City Miles beer and additional Detroit Free Press Marathon imagery, go here: PHOTOS.

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon: The Detroit Free Press Marathon is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held Oct. 18-20, 2024. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. More at Detroit Free Press Marathon.

About Eastern Market Brewing Co.: Eastern Market Brewing Co. is a community-driven brewery in the heart of Detroit’s historic Eastern Market, a district with a rich brewing tradition. Since opening in 2017, EMBC has become known for its creative approach to craft beer, blending small-batch innovation with large-scale production. The company expanded in 2020 by launching its experimental offshoot, Ferndale Project, and later introduced two Elephant & Co. locations, where their expertise in fermentation extends to Detroit-style pizza. More at Eastern Market Brewing Co.

Student runners will receive brand new running shoes at five DPSCD schools Oct. 7, as well as free lunch and transportation to the special event during race weekend.

DETROIT, Mich. (October 2, 2024) – Approximately 250 Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) students are going the distance – completing Michigan’s largest road race in their own way thanks to a new partnership among the DPSCD Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the district; the Detroit Free Press Marathon; and Priority Health.

The students, ages 6-13, from five DPSCD Schools, are participating in the 2024 Detroit Free Press Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health on Saturday, Oct. 19 as part of a pilot program. But first, they’ll receive brand new running shoes. Running Lab, a Brighton-based retailer and official merchandise partner of the Detroit Free Press Marathon, measured and individually fitted each student for their shoes.

The running shoes will be delivered to students at the following schools Monday, Oct. 7:

• Davison Elementary-Middle School
• Detroit International Academy
• Golightly Education Center
• John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy
• Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School

Members of the media are invited to Mackenzie Elementary-Middle School (10147 West Chicago Street, Detroit) at 2 p.m. for shoe delivery day to capture the excitement and talk with students, partners, and school officials.

How the Detroit Free Press Kids Marathon Works

Each student participant has until Oct. 18 to complete the first 25.2 miles of the race on their own, logging their progress in gym class, as part of sports programs, and at home. On Oct. 19, they will walk or run the last marathon mile near the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and receive medals, t-shirts, and official times.

The program was created by Detroit Free Press Marathon Vice President and Race Director Aaron Velthoven to engage the local community, teach healthy habits and introduce Detroit-area kids to the sport of long-distance running. It’s also designed to encourage students to set goals and achieve them. Organizers plan to expand the Kids Marathon program to 500 students in 2025 and add more schools.

“It has been very gratifying to see how excited the kids are to be part of our race – and to be getting new shoes,” Velthoven said. “We’re really appreciative of all the partners who helped make it happen, and can’t wait to see it all come together on Oct. 19 on the Detroit Riverfront.”

Kerrie Mitchell, president and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation, said: “At the heart of our mission is a commitment to ensuring every student has the tools they need to succeed – both inside and outside the classroom. Physical health plays a significant role in academic success. That’s why Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation is thrilled to collaborate with the Detroit Free Press Marathon and Priority Health, enabling our students to participate in the marathon free of charge, removing barriers to access and encouraging them to stay active while building confidence and perseverance.”

“Partnerships like this offer resources, reduce barriers and inspire the next generation to develop healthy habits at an early age, which has the power to create lasting health outcomes,” added Praveen Thadani, president/CEO of Priority Health. ” Providing running shoes for students and the opportunity for them to participate in the Detroit Free Press Kids Marathon are great ways to establish healthy patterns that can last a lifetime.”

On Kids Marathon race day Oct. 19, sponsors will provide transportation for the students from their school to the marathon, and back to school. The restaurant sweetgreen will serve each student a healthy lunch after the race. Additional sponsors include Meijer and Bedrock.

For the first time in its history, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has sold out of all of its Sunday, Oct. 20, races, including the Marathon, the International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay. There are still openings for Saturday, Oct. 19, races including the 5K, 1-Mile, the Meijer Little Detroit Dash, and the Kids Marathon.

More information, including a registration link, can be found at freepmarathon.com/kids-marathon.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS:   

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon

The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race, and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held October 18-20, 2024. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5k, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.

About DPSCD Foundation

Launched in 2003, the Detroit Public Schools Community District Foundation is Michigan’s largest public school foundation, investing in Detroit’s students, families, and educators. An independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we provide resources, scholarships, and programs to prepare students for college, careers, and success in life. Since its inception, the DPSCD Foundation has raised more than $30 million to create and enhance educational opportunities for DPSCD. Learn more at dpsfdn.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

About Priority Health
With over 30 years in business, Priority Health is the second largest health plan in Michigan, offering an extensive portfolio of health benefits options for employer groups and individuals, including Medicare and Medicaid plans. Serving more than 1.3 million members each year and offering a broad network of primary care physicians in Michigan, Priority Health continues to be recognized as a leader for quality, customer service, transparency and product innovation. Learn more about affordable, quality health coverage options from Priority Health.

The Marathon and International-Half are both sold out, but there are still opportunities to participate in the race weekend.

(DETROIT – July 25, 2024) The Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union has sold out several of its most popular races for the first time in its 47-year history, organizers announced this week.

In recent days, the full Marathon and the International-Half Marathon – its two most popular events – both reached maximum capacity. Also sold out are the Supreme and Wonder International Challenge Series, which bundle multiple races. The sellouts arrived almost two months before the registration deadline.

The sellouts mean that the race weekend will set course capacity records. Last year, the full weekend drew about 24,000 participants, and more than 26,000 are expected this year. The 2023 Sunday total, which includes the full Marathon and International-Half, will jump from about 15,000 to about 20,000.

“This incredible milestone is a testament to the growing interest and enthusiasm for our race weekend, and it validates the hard work and dedication of our team. The sellouts have arrived even earlier than our most optimistic predictions, highlighting the strong demand and passion within the running community,” said Aaron Velthoven, the marathon’s vice president and race director. “For those who weren’t able to secure a spot this year, we encourage you to explore our other races, including the 5K and 1-Mile events on Saturday. We want to thank all our participants, staff, and volunteers for making this achievement possible. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Detroit for an unforgettable race experience.”

Several opportunities remain to participate in the race weekend, which includes eight individual events over Oct. 18-20.

• A waitlist is now open for the International Half-Marathon. It can be accessed here.
• Registration is open for the Motor City Half-Marathon, which happens on Sunday, Oct. 20, but does not cross international borders.
• Limited openings are available for the Marathon Relay on Oct. 20. A sellout is expected soon.
• All races happening on Saturday, Oct. 19, are open. This includes the 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.

Organizers also note that thousands of volunteers are needed to help make the race weekend happen smoothly. Volunteers are the “heart and soul” of the event, said Velthoven.

“For any runners who’ve considered taking a year off to volunteer, this might be the year,” he said. “We consistently hear from our community that some of the greatest marathon memories are created by volunteering — helping others achieve their goals.”

Volunteer registration is open now here.

What caused the surge in interest in the Detroit Free Press Marathon this year? There are multiple reasons.

Velthoven pointed to the growth of the sport of running in the pandemic years, and how many athletes are just starting to make their way to organized races. Some of the marathon’s peer races around the country are also experiencing registration increases, he said.

He additionally credited an improved Detroit Free Press Marathon course introduced in 2022, which better showcases some of Detroit’s best attributes.

Additionally, buzz around Detroit’s race has grown thanks to this year’s addition of an Elite Field, which is drawing Olympic-qualifying-level runners across several categories. While it’s a relatively small number of athletes (about 100), the Elite Field generated new attention for the Detroit Free Press Marathon in running ranks across the country.

The race weekend, which drew nearly 24,000 runners in 2023, generating over $28 million of economic impact to the city of Detroit, is already a standout thanks to its positions as the largest international marathon in North America and the only marathon worldwide to cross international borders twice.

Registration for all remaining races can be accessed here.

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon: The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held October 18-20, 2024. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.

For Detroit Free Press Marathon photos, go here: LINK.

World-class runners will hit the Motor City for the 2024 Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union.

(DETROIT – April 4, 2024) The state’s premier marathon is about to get even better – and even faster.

The Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union announced today that it is adding an Elite Field to the race beginning in 2024. What it means: Some of the top runners in the country will be lacing up in Detroit this fall – and beyond.

With the addition of numerous amenities designed with elite distance runners in mind, the race will instantly become a more attractive draw to the sport’s top athletes. But the addition of an Elite Field is about much more than just the first pack to cross the finish line. A more competitive race at the top will benefit everyone from other racers to spectators to the city as a whole.

The new Elite Field is part of a long-term plan to expand the race’s size, stature and influence. The growth is expected in both the world of competitive long distance running, and its broader reach as a premier event in the state of Michigan and city of Detroit.

The race weekend, which drew nearly 24,000 runners in 2023, generating over $28 million of economic impact to the city of Detroit, is already a standout thanks to its positions as the largest international marathon in North America and the only marathon worldwide to cross international borders twice. The addition of approximately 100 athletes in the Elite Field will build on other recent marathon weekend improvements, including the unveiling of a new course in 2022.

“Detroit is home to one of the world’s most unique courses in our sport. Adding an elite field was the next step to put Detroit’s iconic race on the map of professional distance running,” said Aaron Velthoven, the marathon’s vice president and race director.  “We live in one of the greatest professional sports cities in America. Our goal is to attract athletes that will go on to compete in the Abbott World Marathon Majors and Olympic Trials, elevating Detroit’s tremendous professional sports landscape.”

To draw the marathon world’s top runners, races have to provide specific amenities, including special gear check, heated staging area, designated elite fluid stations and an attractive prize purse. All of those elements will be in place by the 2024 race weekend, Oct. 18-20.

Overseeing the Elite Field is Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier Zach Ornelas, a two-time Detroit Free Press Marathon winner who has finished in the top 30 at the Boston Marathon three times. The Ann Arbor resident will lead the marathon’s efforts to attract world-class runners and keep them coming back.

Ornelas has competed around the world, and describes the Detroit Free Press Marathon as a “huge event that maintains the charm of a local race.” He says that providing the care typically granted to Olympic-caliber athletes at the majors will allow these athletes to shave minutes off their already stellar personal records.

“Winning Detroit allowed my marathon career to take off; I have traveled the world running big races since then,” says Ornelas, who won Detroit in 2013 and 2015. “I want to provide the amenities to the current and next generation of marathoners to allow them to continue to push the limits of American distance running. And I want Detroit to do the same for them that it did for me.”

Elite qualifying times for the men’s and women’s International Marathon Field, with additional Seeded Elite and Sub-Elite Field standards, can be found on the Elite Athlete page on the race website: www.freepmarathon.com/elite.

Registration for all runners — elite or otherwise — is open now at www.freepmarathon.com.

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon: The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held October 18-20, 2024. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5k, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.

For Detroit Free Press Marathon photos, including of Zach Ornelas, go here: LINK.

Due to unforeseen construction on the course, the Competitive 1-mile and 5k races have been redesigned. The 1-mile and 5k have been USATF certified. 

The new course maps are below. All Saturday races will now share the same start/finish lines, which will be on Atwater St. between Rivard St. and Riopelle St. 

The new routes are in the same general area along the east riverfront.

Race start times remain the same.

Competitive 1-Mile: 8:30 a.m. 

5K: 8:50 a.m. 

Meijer Kids Fun Run: 10 a.m.

Parking

We encourage you to arrive early to have enough time to park and head to the start line. If you’re looking for parking nearby, please check out garages near the Renaissance Center or street lots west of Rivard St. If you’re using street parking near the course, please make sure you’re not parking on the course, otherwise your vehicle will be towed. Greektown and the Financial District are also popular areas for parking, and a nice walk down to the riverfront.

Competitive 1-Mile

5K

Key facts

Ambassador Bridge Closure/Timing: The Ambassador Bridge will have restricted traffic on Sunday, Oct. 16. It will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. until the last runner clears the bridge, which will be approximately 9:15 a.m.

Detroit/Windsor Tunnel Closure/Timing: The Detroit/Windsor Tunnel will have restricted traffic on Sunday, Oct. 16. It will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:15 a.m. and will reopen to traffic at 10:00a.m. 

The People Mover: The Detroit People Mover will be running from 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, to handle Marathon-related traffic. A possible strategy would be to park outside of the Marathon course and take the People Mover into it.

The Fort/Cass station is the closest to the Start Line. The Michigan stop is the closest to the Finish, Gear Check, Runners Reunite and Cadillac Center Station is around the corner from the Conquered afterparty at Campus Martius.

The People Mover is $.75 cents and free for children under age 5.

QLINE Detroit: The QLINE will have limited service on Saturday, Oct. 15, ending at State St. It will not be running on Sunday, Oct. 16.

Strategies for getting downtown

Strategy: Drive to and park in Greektown (east of Finish Line)

Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South to I-375 South and exit onto Lafayette and head west. Jefferson Ave. eastbound exit will be closed. 

Although I-375 to Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) is open, access to northbound streets off of Jefferson Ave. will be limited due to course closures along Larned St. to the north. Jefferson Ave. to the Lodge Freeway heading north will remain open throughout race day. Eastbound E Jefferson will be accessible via the southbound I-375 turnaround, just east of Beaubien. 

Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Take I-75 North to I-375 South and exit onto Lafayette and head west. Jefferson Ave. eastbound exit will be closed, however. Eastbound E. Jefferson will be accessible via the southbound I-375 turnaround, just east of Beaubien. 

Although I-375 to Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) is open, access to northbound streets off of Jefferson Ave. will be limited due to course closures along Larned St. to the north. Jefferson Ave. to the Lodge Freeway heading north will remain open throughout race day. 

Traveling from the east-side of metro Detroit: Head downtown via Gratiot Ave., which will be open throughout race day. Randolph St. and Beaubien Blvd. southbound traffic from Gratiot is open until the closure at Randolph and Congress.

Notable closures: 

• Access to northbound streets off of westbound Jefferson Ave after St. Aubin Street  will be limited due to course closures along Larned St to the north.

Traveling from the west-side of metro Detroit: Take I-94 to I-75 South to I-375 South and exit onto Lafayette and head west. The Jefferson Ave. eastbound exit will be closed, however.  Eastbound E.Jefferson will be accessible via the southbound I-375 turnaround, just east of Beaubien. 

Although I-375 to Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) is open, access to northbound streets off of Jefferson Ave. will be limited due to course closures along Larned St. to the north. Jefferson Ave. to the Lodge Freeway heading north will remain open throughout race day.

Strategy: Drive to and park near RenCen and Detroit Riverwalk (south end of course)

Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South to  I-375 south to the Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) exit. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk.

Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Take I-75 North to I-375 south to the Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) exit. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk.

Notable closures: 

• Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd. 
• The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.

Traveling from the east side of metro Detroit: Head toward downtown via E. Jefferson Ave. westbound, which will be open throughout race day. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk. Lafayette westbound will be closed to downtown at Iroquois Ave. 

Traveling from the west-side of metro Detroit: Take I-375 south to Jefferson Ave. westbound (downtown) exit. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk.

Strategy: Drive to and park near Comerica Park/Ford Field area (north of Finish Line)

Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South to I-375 South. Exit Madison St. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from State St. is available until the closure at Edmund St. Southbound Woodward is closed at State St.

Notable closures: 

• I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed. 
• Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St. 

Traveling from the east side of metro Detroit: Take Gratiot Ave. heading into downtown. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from Gratiot Ave. is available until the closure at Edmund St.

Notable closures: 

• I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed. 
• Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St. 

Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Take I-75 North to I-375 South. Exit Madison St. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from State St. is available until the closure at Edmund St. Southbound Woodward is closed at State St.

Notable closures: 

• I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed. 
• Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St. 

Traveling from the west-side of metro Detroit: Take I-94 to I-75 South to I-375 South. Exit Madison St. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from State St. is available until the closure at Edmund St. Southbound Woodward is closed at State St.

Notable closures: 

• I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed. 
• Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St. 

Strategy: Drive to and park in Corktown (far west side of course)

Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South and exit at Rosa Parks Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south.

Notable closures: 

• Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
• The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.

Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Eastbound Michigan Ave. will be open until the course road closure at Washington Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south. If you are traveling northbound on I-75, the exit to Rosa Parks Blvd. will be open. The Lodge Freeway exit to Howard St. is open as well. 

Notable closures: 

• Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
• The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.

Traveling from the east side of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South and exit at Rosa Parks Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south.

Notable closures: : 

• Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
• The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.

Traveling from the west side of metro Detroit: Eastbound Michigan Ave. will be open until the course road closure at Washington Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south. The I-75 exit to Rosa Parks Blvd. will be open. The Lodge Freeway exit to Howard St. is open as well. The Lodge Fwy. southbound after the Howard St. exit is closed during the race.