FAQs
When is this year's race?
The Detroit Free Press Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 17, 2010.
How do I register?
This year, registration is ONLY available online. You can register here.
Will this year's course change from 2009?
No. At this time, there are no plans to change the Marathon or Half Marathon courses.
Can I register in person or by mail?
No. Beginning this year, we will be taking online registrations only.
Can I change races? i.e. from Marathon to Half Marathon or vice versa?
The Detroit Free Press Marathon allows registered participants to change races within the following guidelines:
1. All race changes must be requested via email (marathon@freepress.com) before October 1, 2010. Absolutely NO changes after this date. There will be NO changing of races at the Expo. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk participants ONLY may request a change. Registered participants may not change to or from a relay team.
3. There is a $20 processing fee to change races.
4. Changes are allowed only if there is a valid credit card number on record for the registrant.
5. Registrants must pay the price differential if changing to a higher-priced race, in addition to the processing fee. I.E. A runner moving from the Half Marathon to the Full Marathon would pay the $15 price differential between the Half and Full, in addition to the $20 processing fee for a total of $35.
6. Registrants moving to a lower-priced race do not receive a refund of the price differential. They also pay the $20 processing fee, in addition to any prior-paid registration fees.
7. No changes are allowed once a race has reached its maximum capacity.
8. The organizers and staff of the Detroit Free Press Marathon reserve the right to revise or cancel this policy at any time.
When will the race start?
There will be a wave start again this year, arranging runners/walkers in groups of approximately 1,000 participants according to their projected pace and abilities, as reported when registering. We will send these groups off every two or three minutes, thus stretching out the field as much as possible. Marathon (including relay) and half marathon participants will not be segregated. Thus a faster half marathon walker might be starting beside a slower marathon runner in the same corral (wave).
Check back for exact start times.
NOTE: No participants will be allowed to start after the last wave crosses the start line.
Do I really need a passport?
If you are in an event that crosses the U.S./Canadian border,YES.
All entries are submitted to the Bureau of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), for clearance before the race. ALL participants must show up in person at the Health & Fitness Expo, and present a passport or enhanced drivers license in order to pick up your race packet. .
Those participants crossing the U.S./Canadian border (Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay Legs 1 and 2) will need to present proof of identity and citizenship. For the majority of entrants (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 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 will be NO exceptions.
Those participants running only on U.S. soil (Relay Legs 3-5 and the 5K) need only present photo identification when picking up their packets.
What is the Competitive Walk?
The Marathon Competitive Walk operates on an honor system. The only requirement is that you must walk the entire marathon distance, in any form of walk you choose. You will wear a second bib identifying you as a walker. You cannot run any of the distance. If a particpant who enters the walk is caught running by anyone on or along the course, they will be disqualified.
How do I get my race packet?
For the for the 5K Run/Walk may be picked up at the Expo or on race morning near the 5K start area. Marathon, Half Marathon and 5-Person Relay race packets MUST be picked up in person at the Health & Fitness Expo on either Friday, October 15th or Saturday, October 16th.
How far is my hotel from the Start and Finish lines?
The start and finish areas will both be adjacent to W. Fort St. at Second Street. All major downtown Detroit hotels are within walking distance of the Start and Finish. Here is a table of the approximate walking distances:
| Hotel |
Distance to Start/Finish (miles) |
| Marriott at the Ren-Cen |
0.86 |
| Courtyard by Marriott | 0.67 |
| Doubletree Fort Shelby | 0.10 |
| Greektown Casino Hotel | 0.87 |
| Hilton Garden Inn | 0.78 |
| Holiday Inn Express | 0.31 |
| MGM Casino Hotel | 0.51 |
| Westin Book Cadillac | 0.35 |
If I am injured and/or cannot attend the event can I get a refund or transfer my entry to someone else?
We have a no refund, transfer or deferment policy for all race entries.
Can I give my entry to a friend?
Absolutely not! There are no refunds or transfers allowed. Because of the international route, all participants must be approved by the Bureau of Customs and Border Patrol. Failure to observe Homeland Security measures can result in criminal charges.
Where should I park on race day?
We are working to determine the most convenient locations for both participant and spectator parking. As soon as final arrangements are made, we will post a race day parking map.
You may refer to other downtown Detroit parking websites, such as Detroit Municipal Parking or Ford Field Web site, for additional locations. Please note that the Detroit Free Press Marathon cannot be responsible for knowing whether these other locations will be open on race day, or what prices they might charge.
When choosing a location, we strongly recommend parking outside the course route, for easier egress after the race. Also, because of the congestion, we suggest you are in your parking spot before the streets close at 6:30 AM.
Will I be able to check my gear on race day?
Gear Check service is provided for all events. Runners must use the Gatorade bag provided as a goodie bag for gear check. These bags will be marked and stored by race number. Your number bib includes a removable tag to be attached to your gear bag for this purpose. The Marathon will not be responsible for lost or stolen items, so PLEASE do not pack ANYTHING of value – especially car keys and/or wallets. Any bags left over will be donated to charity if not claimed within one week at the Marathon office. With a combined Start/Finish line, there will be no need to transport gear. You will be able to pick up your gear in the same location where you leave it before the races start. The Gear Drop will be located in the DMP parking lot on the corner of Lafayette Blvd. and the Lodge Service Drive.
What is a Wave Start?
In a wave start, smaller groups of participants are sent off at two or 3-minute intervals. Groups are based on the projected pace indicated on the registration form. Since we will have short lull periods between groups, it will take twice as long for the entire field to cross the start line. Runners are not penalized for a slower start - except for elite runners, “chip time” is used for results. For a diagram of a wave start, click here.
How long do I have to finish the race?
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. Participants in the 5K Run/Walk must complete their course in one hour and 10 minutes.
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. To ensure your safety and to meet all time limits, we have established the following milestones:
Marathon and 5-Person Relay
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.
What is an Enhanced Driver’s License?
An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) serves as both a driver’s license and border-crossing card. It is available through the Michigan Secretary of State’s office to Michigan residents who are also U.S. citizens. EDLs are also available in several other states. This optional card is convenient, affordable and the most flexible option for travelers to meet the tougher federal document requirements. The cost in Michigan is $45, compared to the $100 for a passport. (NOTE: an EDL does not replace a passport for air travel or travel outside Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean.)
To apply, residents may visit any Michigan Secretary of State branch office. The application process is relatively easy for those who already have a current driver's license. Residents need only present proof of a valid Social Security number and U.S. citizenship in addition to their driver's license. The process takes about two weeks. For more information on obtaining an EDL click here.
Headphones:
The Detroit Free Press Marathon strongly discourages the wearing of music devices. Participants must be alert to their surroundings and able to hear medical emergency vehicles, motorcycles, buses and official marathon vehicles. For your safety and the safety of those around you, we strongly urge you to run headphone-free.
What flavor Gatorade will you have this year?
G Series Pro Endurance Formula™, part of the G Series Pro portfolio, is a specialized sports drink formulated for high-mileage athletes with the same carbohydrate energy as Gatorade Thirst Quencher and twice the level of electrolytes. As in past years, we will be using lemon-lime. You can find where it is available locally by going to Gatorade.
Will changing rooms and showers be available after the race?
The Detroit Free Press Marathon does not provide changing nor shower facilities after the race. Some of the downtown hotels allow a late check-out on race day. Check with your hotel, if you are a registered guest.
Are strollers or joggers allowed?
No. Because of safety concerns strollers, joggers, bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards are not permitted in any of our events, including the 5K Run/Walk.
