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Detroit Free Press Marathon

Detroit, MI
Sunday, October 18, 2026


  4.9 Stars from 16 Reviews

Course 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.

October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in Michigan Marathons near Detroit, MI



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Race Information

Race Dates

2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026
2025: Sunday, October 19, 2025

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

2025: 3,569 Finishers
2024: 3,659 Finishers
2023: 3,077 Finishers
2022: 2,269 Finishers
2021: 1,976 Finishers
2020: No Results

BQ Percentages

2025: 3.4%
2024: 5.7%
2023: 7.4%
2022: 8%
2021: 8.2%
2020: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 16 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 60°F  (16°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

47°F  (8°C)
Humidity: 79%

Clear
SW 7 mph

PR Score

98.36

Course Score

99.1






Detroit Free Press Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Detroit Free Press Marathon was the 26th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 22nd largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2025, 3.4% of Detroit Free Press Marathon finishers achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2024, 5.7% of finishers qualified for Boston.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Detroit Free Press Marathon ranked 352nd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and 269th in 2024. In Michigan, it ranked 14th in 2025 and 12th in 2024. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for runners comparing Boston Marathon qualifying potential across different races.

The Detroit Free Press Marathon has a Course Score of 99.12, ranking it as the 197th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 8th fastest marathon course in Michigan.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Detroit Free Press Marathon a PR Score of 99.12. The PR Score ranks the Detroit Free Press Marathon as the 143rd best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 6th best marathon for a PR in Michigan.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Detroit Free Press Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and Michigan for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Detroit Free Press Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed197th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 8th fastest marathon course in Michigan
Top 43% Nationally#8 of 15 in Michigan
PR Potential143rd best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 6th best marathon for a PR in Michigan
Top 31% Nationally#6 of 15 in Michigan
Boston Qualifier Rate352nd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 14th highest BQ percentage in Michigan
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 74% Nationally#14 of 17 in Michigan
Race Size26th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 1st largest marathon in Michigan
Based on 2025 results
Top 5% Nationally#1 of 21 in Michigan

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



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 07/08/2026




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Race Reviews


4.9
Based on 16 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Loved this race

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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!
Reviewed by BAM About 2024

Do It!

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by AB About 2018

Windy but Worth it!

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by IWB About 2017

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

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.
Reviewed by LM About 2016

Full 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.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I liked the MGM GRAND.
Reviewed by Sah About 2016

Full 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!
Reviewed by JAckie About 2016

Full Review:

Reviewed by MJP About 2016

Full Review:

This race crosses into Canada over the Ambassador Bridge and back to the United States. It is a well organized race and fun to participate.

Race Tips:

Never can predict the weather in Michigan. In 2016, the weather was nice and warm in the early morning, but rain hit after 11am or so, cooled it down somewhat but not bad. However, it seemed that the runners and volunteers made the best of a great event, despite the weathter.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Check the website freepmarathon.com to check all this info out.
Reviewed by R.U.N. About 2016

Full Review:

Fantastic Route. Overly helpful staff. Surprisingly great weather. Only improvement needed is food at the end of the race!

Race Tips:

The first half is very crowded (but did not effect pacing). No bananas or food of any kind (2 gel shots) given.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking was tricky but getting their early made it easy (write down where you parked as I got lost downtown).
Reviewed by TCB About 2016

Full Review:

Its run through both the US and Canada. Good rehydration stops.

Race Tips:

Ambassador Bridge to Canada is 1 miles incline and 1 mile decline (2 miles total)
Reviewed by JS About 2016

Full Review:

Great course - crossing the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise to enjoy a view over the Detroit River, run a few miles in Canada (!), an entire mile underwater (The Underwater Mile is the tunnel coming back from Canada to the US). Historic neighborhoods - Mexicantown, Corktown, Indian Village - have a great vibe. Three-mile loop on Belle Isle on the same pavement that hosts a Formula One race! Fast, flat course - great for beginners.

Race Tips:

Prepare for any weather - temperature at the start line for the past four years has been 38, 35, 31, 55 (!). It has rained and snowed on the course in different years, so be ready. Just make sure you can have your bib visible for border crossings.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

If you want a downtown hotel, book early - they go quickly. And there are a lot of great restaurants and activities downtown for before and after the race.
Reviewed by Khalaf Haddad About 2016

Full Review:

Overall a good course...of course it's international. The one thing I didn't like was going on to Belle Isle and back out. It just doesn't ever make sense to me. Going through Indian Village is always great... a lot of people cheering you on.. bands etc..

Race Tips:

I didn't hydrate enough. I didn't run enough 20 milers, because it was such a hot summer.. I should have changed to the half.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Marriott Hotel was a great place to stay!! Great food and location!!
Reviewed by Denise Milne About 2016

Top 3 Marathons

Full Review:

Great race atmosphere, fun spectators, and you get to run in two countries!

Race Tips:

Stay focused in the second half, there are long stretches without a lot of crowds
Reviewed by Beth About 2016

Full Review:

International race that crosses into Canada and then back to the US. Beautiful sunrise will crossing the Ambassador Bridge. Awesome crowd support.

Race Tips:

The race starts at 7am. You need to be through the Detroit Windsor Tunnel by 10am. Make sure you can keep that pace or use one of the pace team members.
Reviewed by BR About 2014

Full Review:

The sun rises as you run over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada. The crowds in both Detroit and Windsor are the best I've experienced. The trip back to the US through the Windsor Tunnel is a crazy experience with just you and thousands of your new closest friends. Running out to Bell Isle and along the Detroit River walk is beautiful. The Medals... Please! They are the best!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Park away from the start an take the People Mover (really fun on race day). Eat at Greek Town after the race!
Reviewed by Pam About 2014

Full Review:

This was a very well organized event from the starting line to the finish at both the US and Canadian side. runners were in corrals that started in 2 minute waves so that the bridge and tunnels wouldn't be overwhelmed. Border security was also well organized and we were asked several times before the start to make sure to have bib numbers visible prior to reaching the bridge if not we would be stopped by security. some people thought that you passed one set of security that was it, no they would radio ahead for the next set of security to get a hold of you.

Race Tips:

The first half of the race was awesome but i thought the 2nd half was boring. Miles 13-17 was just too flat and too straight. Do Not watch the course video at the expo if you are the type that likes to be surprised. The most challenging part of the course were the mile or 2 before the bridge, a long uphill run, not too bad of an ascent, but just long and gradual. Second is Belle Island because of the head winds from the lake. if you can survive 2 miles of that, then your in the clear, but there is a hill at mile 25. its not bad, but its a hill at mile 25.

People may say this was a flat and fast course fail to note that this was a tough course because of the elements. It was a chilly day, but winds were a factor
Reviewed by runmari About 2013