How do I register?

Registration is ONLY available online.

Can I register in person or by mail?

At this time, we are taking online registrations only. If you do not have a personal computer, here are some other options that may be available for you to sign up for these events:

• Contact friends with Internet access
• Computer terminals at your local public library
• A local university that offers free Internet access
• A local Internet café

When is this year’s race?

The Detroit Free Press Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 21, 2012.

When will the race start?

Race times will be close to last year’s times, which were:

6:58 AM- Disabilities Division
7:00 AM- Marathon, Half-Marathon Run/Walk and Marathon Relay
7:25 AM- 5k Fun Run/Walk (using unique start line on Lafayette at Washington Blvd.)
11:00 AM- US-Only Half-Marathon

Official start times will be announced closer to the event.

NOTE: No participants will be allowed to start after the last wave crosses the start line.

Changing Races

The Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon allows registered participants to change races within the following guidelines:

1. All race changes must be requested via email (marathon@freepress.com) before September 1, 2012.
2. Absolutely NO changes after this date. There will be NO changing of races at the Expo. NO EXCEPTIONS. You also need to provide your new predicted finish time.
3. There is a $20 processing fee to change races.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. No changes are allowed once a race has reached its maximum capacity.
7. The organizers and staff of the Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon reserve the right to revise or cancel this policy at any time.

Will this year’s course change from 2011?

This year’s courses are the same as last year (although events out of our control – such as construction – could force us to change the course to accommodate). Click here for course maps. For up-to-date information on possible course changes, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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 and US-Only Half-Marathon courses at 2:00 PM and the International Half-Marathon course at 11:30 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

International Half-Marathon Run/Walk

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 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.

Bridge Congestion:

The Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon start is broken into waves based on projected running time. This is to prevent pinch points and congestion throughout the course – and specifically on the bridge. We have calculated the flow of runners needed to prevent congestion on the bridge, but in order for it to work, we need you to be honest and realistic on your projected run time. The final factor in preventing bridge congestion is your time, so bear that in mind in order for your run to be successful and smooth for everyone involved.

In addition, you must stay within the race course at all times, for safety and for timing and distance concerns – including on the bridge. If you are found to have deviated from the race course, you will be disqualified.

What is the Competitive Walk?

The Marathon and International Half-Marathon Competitive Walks operate 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 participant who enters the walk is caught running by anyone on or along the course, they will be disqualified.

Is there an age requirement to run at any of the events?

All participants of the Marathon, International Half -Marathon, or US-Only Half-Marathon must be at least 16 years of age.  There is no age limit on the 5K or the Relay.

If I am injured and/or cannot attend the event can I get a refund or transfer my entry to someone else?

No. There are no refunds or transfers allowed. Because of the international route, all participants must be approved by the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection and Canadian Customs. Failure to observe Homeland Security or Canadian Customs measures can result in criminal charges.

There are also no refunds or transfers to other years. In some cases, you may switch events within the 2012 Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon (marathon to half-marathon, or vice versa.)

Can I run a leg of the relay and still run another event?

It’s possible for an individual to participate in both the Relay and the Marathon or Half-Marathon.  Here are the steps and restrictions necessary to make this happen:

1. The participant will register for both the Relay and the Marathon or Half-Marathon.  They are responsible for costs to enter both events.
2. The participant must run the first leg of the Relay.  No other Relay legs are available. This is the only way to participate in both events and to avoid difficult timing issues.
3. We will issue two separate bib numbers…one for the Relay and one for the individual event.  We will issue the additional “Relay” bib for the back of their shirt. Finally, we will also issue two different timing chips, one for each event.
4. The participant will wear both bibs and both chips on race day. The participant will pin the Relay bib over the top of the Marathon or Half-Marathon bib on the front of their shirt. They will pin the “Relay” bib to the back of their shirt. (Note: bib numbers must be displayed at all times)
5. The participant will run the first leg of the Relay, and must cross the timing mat at the start of Relay Leg #2. Once they have crossed the mat and their second team member starts Leg #2, their Relay participation is over.-
6. The participant must remove their Relay timing chip and must discard it to avoid timing mat confusion later along the course.  They must remove the Relay bib from the front of their shirt, and display the Marathon or Half Marathon bib.
7. Finally, they should remove the “Relay” bib from the back of their shirt, if possible. The participant will receive a time for the 1^st Leg of the Relay and for the individual event.  They will receive all of the amenities for both events, to include the event shirts and medals.

Do I really need a passport?

If you are in an event that crosses the U.S./Canadian border, and 16 years of age or older, you will need a passport, passport card or enhanced drivers license. 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.

All entries are submitted to the Bureau of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canadian Border Services, 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.

If you are not a citizen of the U.S. or Canada, other documentation may be needed.

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 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.  (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 four weeks. For more information on obtaining an EDL click here.

If you are picking up your bib with an EDL, you need to present the actual license – the application with a receipt is not sufficient. When you are applying for an EDL, you must allow sufficient time to receive the proper license from the State of Michigan.

As long as I have approved documentation, I’m all set, right?

Most likely, yes. But you should be aware of your admissibility to Canada. In general, people are considered to be criminally inadmissible to Canada if they were convicted of an offense in Canada or were convicted of an offense outside of Canada that is considered a crime in Canada, such as a DUI. In order to enter Canada, these people must obtain Approval of Rehabilitation or a Temporary Resident Permit at a Canadian Consulate or Embassy.

You can find more information here.

What if I’m not a citizen of USA or Canada? What documents do I need?

If you are not a citizen of the U.S. or Canada, it is strongly recommended that all travelers verify the specific documentary requirements of both your country of residence and the countries you will be visiting. For additional information, click here.

How do I get my race packet?

Marathon, International Half-Marathon, US-Only Half-Marathn and 5-Person Relay race packets MUST be picked up in person at the Health & Fitness Expo on either Friday, October 19th or Saturday, October 20th. Packets for the for 5K Run/Walk ONLY may also be picked up at the Expo or on race morning near the 5K start area.

Will I be able to check my gear on race day?

Gear Check service is provided for all events. Runners must use the 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.

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 website 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 6:00 AM.

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 – 5.4
• 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

Can I wear headphones?

The Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank 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/Talmer Bank 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.

will my gps tracker work over the bridge or under the tunnel?

Most GPS systems will continue over the bridge, but drop out upon entering the tunnel and resume on the other side.

Are strollers or joggers allowed?

Because of safety concerns strollers, bicycles, pets, rollerblades and skateboards are not permitted in any of our events, including the 5K Run/Walk.

What’s the weather like?

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.

Official Charities:

Each year, we partner with 20 official charities for our Run for a Reason Program. When you designate an official charity, it does not mean that a portion of your registration fee goes to the designated charity; it instead mean that you have the option to raise funds for your charity. In order to sign up with your chosen charity, check out the Run for a Reason section of our site.

Shirt Sizing:

When you place your order for a shirt, we will make every effort to provide you the size requested. However, shirts are ordered months in advance of the event, based on estimates. Therefore, we may not have enough of every size available at the Expo. We advise you to arrive early in order to guarantee your size.

Course Records

Male – 1980 Greg Meyer, Boston 2:13:07
Female – 2004 Elena Orlova, Russia 2:34:16
Runners who break a course record will win an additional $2,500.

Rules of Fair Play

We conduct our events under USA Track & Field (USATF) guidelines. We will use a qualified referee to help us settle any results concerns. We may exclude from competition anyone who has previously discredited themselves and the sport of running, or we may disqualify anyone who knowingly exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct.

What if my passport is in my maiden name?

As long as you bring your passport and marriage certification, you will be ok. You can pick up your packet and participate.