Homeland Security
Sunday, October 17, 2010
U.S. or Canadian Citizens: If you are a U.S. or Canadian Citizen and you register for the marathon, half marathon, or team relay on-line or by mail, your entry is submitted to the Bureau of Homeland Security, , CBP for clearance. 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 must show up in person to receive your race number and packet.
Those participants crossing the United States/Canadian border (Marathon/Half Marathon/Relay Legs 1 and 2) will need to present proof of identity and citizenship. 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.
Those participants running only on U.S. soil (Relay Legs 3-5 and 5K) need only present photo identification when picking up their packets.
Please make certain your travel arrangements include ample time to make it to the expo and collect your packet. NO PACKET PICK UP ON RACE DAY - NO EXCEPTIONS.
On race day, your race number must be visible and prominently pinned to front of your outer-most clothing. DO NOT affix your number to your back or underneath another article of clothing. Please keep it visible at all times.
Citizens of countries other than the U.S. or Canada:
If you are a citizen of a country other than the U.S. or Canada and you register for the marathon, half marathon, or team relay on-line or by mail, your entry is also submitted to the Bureau of Homeland Security, CBP for clearance. All existing non-immigrant visa and passport requirements remain in effect. You will need to show up at the Health and Fitness Expo in person to meet with a CBP official and provide proof of identity and citizenship. You may also be required to show a U.S. Permanent Resident Card (green card) or a Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card), visa or other necessary paperwork required to be in the U.S. For more information on visiting the United States click here.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen and are visiting the U.S., you may also be required to obtain a temporary Visa (Visitor's Visa) from Canada. Please examine the 'Visiting Canada ' section at the website of the Consulate General of Canada in Detroit.
Citizens of all countries. If you are planning to register at the Health and Fitness Expo (space available) for any international event, you must come prepared to meet with a CBP Official. All necessary paperwork and proof of citizenship must be provided. 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.
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 and we will seek 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.
