Races
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Registration is now open! Click here.
PLEASE NOTE: Individual race information, including course maps, is based on the 2009 event. While we have not planned any major changes to the route, any updates for 2010 will be added as details are finalized.
With a unique course crossing the U.S./Canadian border twice and great musical entertainment along the way, there's no end to the excitement of running this race!
We pride ourselves on giving you an extraordinary experience. From first-timers to old-timers, runners are our top priority. Our staff is dedicated to providing you with supportive volunteers, the chance to make great friends, a historic race course, and the opportunity to accomplish a lifetime achievement.
Along with a fast, spectator-friendly course, we offer the following international divisions:
With its mid-October date, the Detroit Free Press Marathon takes advantage of Michigan’s fine autumn weather, allowing for cool starts and pleasant highs. For a table of historical race weather data, click here.
ENTRY FEES
EVENT (Maximum Number of Entries)
NOW thru
June 30
July 1 thruSept. 7
Sept. 8 thru
Oct. 14
(Online Reg.
Closes Oct. 14)Registration at Expo
(if available)MARATHON - Run (4,800) $75 $90 $105 $125 MARATHON - Competitive Walk (30) $75 $90 $105 $125 MARATHON - Pushrim (Disabled) $75 $90 $90 $125 MARATHON - Handcycle (Disabled) $75 $90 $90 $100 HALF MARATHON - Run (10, 800) $60 $75 $90 $105 HALF MARATHON - Competitive Walk $60 $75 $90 $105 5-PERSON RELAY $220 $260 $320 Not Available 5K RUN/ WALK - Adults (20 & Older) $25 $30 $35 $40 5K RUN/WALK - (19 & Younger)
$15 $20 $20 $25
IMPORTANT HOMELAND SECURITY REGULATIONS
On June 1, 2009 more stringent requirements for border crossings in North America were implemented. ALL participants 16 and older in the international events (Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay legs 1 & 2) MUST personally present a passport or enhanced drivers license when picking up their race packets. Children under the age of 16 will be able to personally present proof of citizenship (birth certificate, naturalization card or passport). There are NO exceptions.
Start Times
Because we will not have a divided start as in past years, marathon (including relay) and half marathon participants will not be segregated. Each participant will be seeded by the projected pace they reported when registering. Thus a faster half marathon walker might be starting beside a slower marathon runner in the same corral (wave).
7:13 AM- Disabilities Division
7:15 AM- Marathon, Half Marathon Run/Walk and Marathon Relay
7:30 AM- 5k Fun Run/Walk (using unique start line on Lafayette at Washington Blvd.)
Wave Start
The Free Press Marathon incorporates a "Wave Start" for the Marathon, Half-Marathon Run/Walk and Relay divisions.
In a wave start, groups of participants will be sent off at two-minute intervals beginning at 7:15 AM. Groups are based on the projected pace indicated on the registration form. Because we will not have a divided start as in past years, marathon (including Relay Leg #1) and half marathon participants will not be segregated. Thus a fast half marathon walker may be starting beside a slower-paced marathon runner in the same corral (wave). For a diagram of a wave start, click here. No matter in what wave you are positioned (A-K), you should be in position by 7:00 AM.
Time Requirements: Marathon, Half Marathon, Five Person Relay
You must be able to complete the marathon in six and a half hours, and the half marathon in four hours, from the time the “Last Chance Pacer” crosses the start line. We will close the marathon course at 2:05 PM and the half marathon course at 11:35 AM.
We consider our events “competitive”, and not simply as fun runs or walks. A “Last Chance Pacer” will be provided for both events. These pacers will travel at the average pace needed to cross the finish line at six and a half hours for the marathon and four hours for the half marathon. Your progress will be monitored throughout the race. If you fall significantly behind the “Last Chance Pacer”, you will be given fair warning to pick up the pace. If you can’t keep pace, you will be required to board a bus following the pacers to be transported back to the start/finish area.
We are fortunate to offer two international border crossings during the course of our event. To continue providing this unique opportunity, we MUST reopen the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel to vehicular traffic at 10:00 AM. To ensure your safety and to meet all time limits, we have established the following milestones:
Marathon and Team Relays
1.85 Mile Mark (Bridge Entrance)……….….8:02 AM
6.9 Mile Mark (Tunnel Entrance)……….…..9:14 AM
8.1 Mile Mark (Tunnel Exit)…………………..9:35 AM
12.7 Mile Mark (Campus Martius)…….….10:44 AM
13.1 Mile Mark………………………………….10:50 AM
16 Mile Mark………………………………….…11:33 AM
18 Mile Mark………………………………….…12:47 PM
23 Mile Mark…………………………………...…1:17 PM
Finish Line………………………………………...2:05 PM
NOTE: If at any time, you fall behind these milestone times, you may be required to board a bus to be transported back to the start/finish area.
Half Marathon Run/Walk
1.85 Mile Mark (Bridge Entrance)……….….8:08 AM
6.9 Mile Mark (Tunnel Entrance)……….…..9:37 AM
8.1 Mile Mark (Tunnel Exit)……………….…10:00 AM
Finish Line…………………………………….....11:35 AM
NOTE: If at any time, you fall behind these milestone times, you may be required to board a bus to be transported back to the start/finish area.
5K Run/Walk
All participants in the 5K Run/Walk must complete the course in one hour and 10 minutes.
Race Numbers
You will be given a race number at the time you register. Your confirmation will include your race number. For fast and easy bib pick-up, bring your confirmation with you to the Health and Fitness Expo to pick up your number. NO NUMBER PICK UP ON RACE DAY - NO EXCEPTIONS
Race numbers must be visible at all times during the race, particularly when crossing international borders; therefore, please make certain that your number is pinned to the outer-most layer of clothing at all times. Failure to comply may result in your removal from the course.
Race numbers, computer timing chips, and t-shirts must be picked up at the Health and Fitness Expo. Entry confirmation will be mailed to you within three weeks of receipt of registration at the marathon office. If you provide an email address, an email confirmation will be sent (if received by the September deadline). All online entries will receive an email confirmation. Please be certain to include your correct email address.
These are international events - you will be crossing international borders. Therefore, we must adhere to all federal laws governing entry and exit to foreign countries. On June 1, 2009 more stringent requirements for border crossings in North America were implemented. In order to maintain the privilege of crossing borders, all participants must show up in person and provide proof of identity and citizenship in order to receive your race number and packet. For the majority of participants (U.S. and Canadian citizens 16 years of age and older), this means a passport, passport card or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. and Canadian citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization or citizenship card. For additional acceptable documentation click here. There are no exceptions. Please make certain your travel arrangements include ample time to make it to the expo.
Is this your first marathon? Let us know when you register. All first-time runners receive a special green number. Detroit knows and loves its 'greenies' and gives you the added support and cheer you need to cross the finish line.
ChronoTrack D-Tag: Disposable Timing Tags
A disposable tag means less time waiting in lines. Shorter lines before the race to pick up your bib and chip and no line to return your tag or chip afterward are just some of the benefits to the D-Tag we will be using.
Each D-Tag is checked and double-checked for functionality before they are distributed to the athlete. The tag is always “on” and does not need to be activated. There will be no “tag check” or “chip check” at the EXPO.
The D-Tag is easy to attach your shoe and is far lighter and less intrusive than other timing tags and chips. Once the D-tag is attached to your shoe, you will quickly forget that it is even there! You can read more about the ChronoTrack D-Tag here.
Nuclear (Radiation) Medicine Procedure:
If you are participating in the Marathon, the Half Marathon, the Half Marathon Walk or the 5-Person Relay (on the international leg only), and you have had a Nuclear (Radiation) Medicine Procedure recently please identify yourself to our volunteers when you pick up your number. If you are unsure, please ask the opinion of CBP officers!
CBP employs a wide array of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technology to serve as a force multiplier and to complement the work of CBP officers in guarding America. These technologies serve a vital function in day-to-day vehicles, trucks, cargo containers and baggage, at our borders and ports of entry. The Radiation Portal Monitor is a detection device that provides CBP with a passive, non-intrusive means to screen conveyances for radiation emanating from various sources, including natural sources and isotopes commonly used in medicine and industry. If any participants in the marathon have recently had medical procedures completed, there is a chance that they may trigger the portal alarms.
Cancellation Policy
Entry fees are non-refundable. Entries are non-transferable to another person or event. That means that once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. You may not transfer your entry to another participant, another event, or to another year. Since the events are international, it is a federal offense to cross borders illegally. Therefore, do not give your number to another person. It is each participant’s responsibility to provide proper documentation for picking up your packet.
The Marathon, in accordance with management executives, city officials and local law enforcement has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, inclement weather or threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided since funds will have been spent in preparation for Race Day. T-shirts will be distributed.
