FAQs
When is this year's race?
The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar 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.
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).
7:13 AM- Disabilities Division
7:15 AM- Marathon, Half Marathon Run/Walk and Marathon Relay (First Wave)
7:33 AM- Marathon, Half Marathon Run/Walk and Marathon Relay (Last Wave)*
7:30 AM- 5k Fun Run/Walk (using unique start line on Lafayette at Washington Blvd.)
*NOTE: The Last Wave corral closes at 7:35 AM. No participants will be allowed to start after this time.
Do I really need a passport?
If you are in an event that crosses the U.S./Canadian border, YES.
Effective June 1, 2009, U.S. Customs and Border Protection tightened security measures for international travel. In order to maintain the privilege of crossing borders, ALL participants crossing between Windsor and Detroit MUST show up in person at the Expo to receive your race number and 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.
How do I get my race packet?
For the for the 5K Fun Run may be picked up at the Expo or on race morning near the 5K start areaMarathon, Half Marathon and Marathon Relays, race packets MUST be picked up in person at the Health & Fitness Expo on either Friday, October 15th or Saturday, October 16th. Packets .
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/Flagstar 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 the Marathon and Half Marathon ONLY, not for the Relay or 5K. 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.
Will GU be available on the course?
GU Energy Gel will be provided by the University of Detroit/Mercy Cross-country team, somewhere between the 15 and 18 mile marks. If you plan to use a gel product more than once, or if you have a flavor preference, please plan on carrying it personally.
Will Gatorade be available this year? If so, what flavor?
To help runners stay properly hydrated, Gatorade will feature Gatorade Endurance Formula™ lemon-lime flavor on-course. Gatorade Endurance Formula is a specialized sports drink for endurance athletes with a unique five-electrolyte blend – including nearly twice the sodium (200 mg) and three times the potassium (90 mg) of Gatorade® Thirst Quencher, as well as chloride, calcium and magnesium – to help meet the needs of athletes during their longer, more intense trainings and competitions.
What is a Wave Start?
In a wave start, smaller groups of participants are sent off at two or three-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.
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 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.
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/Flagstar 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.
Will changing rooms and showers be available after the race?
The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar 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.
