The Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon has a storied history, and we’re excited for you to join the tale.
42 years ago, Neal Shine watched the Falmouth Road Race and was overwhelmed by the event. As managing editor of the Detroit Free Press he suggested the newspaper sponsor a similar event in Detroit. Since then race directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants alike have helped grow the event into Michigan’s largest (and we argue best) road race.
From then participants from Michigan, the United States and all over the world have traveled each year to Detroit to run with us. Elite runners and casual walkers alike, it has become an event the encompasses people from all walks of life.
From the new runner to the more seasoned marathoner, our race has something for everyone. And with multiple distance events available including marathon, half-marathon, disabilities & relay divisions, 5k walk/run, Compettive 1-Mile and a Kids Fun Run, our goal is to give every participant a once-in-a-lifetime experience…every year! The only way we can make an event like this happen is with the phenomenal support of race volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors.
2018 Accolades
Voted best Marathon in the State of Michigan by RaceRaves. Voted in the top 20 Best Marathons, Half-Marathons and top 10 Awesome Medal & Bling categories by BibRave.
Who We Are
Barbara Bennage – Executive Race Director
Matt Scodellaro – Assistant Race Director, Saturday Events Director
Mari Anzicek – Start-Finish Area Director, Waste Management Manager
Adrian Berkeley – Windsor Operations Manager
Carl Berry – Security Director
Andrea Boucher – Course Section Manager
Erin Brennan, MD – Medical Director
Kathy Cannon – Gear Check Manager
Ed Carter – Course Section Manager
Jennifer Czuchaj – Emergency Medical Services Dispatcher
George Dubrish – Disabilities Division Director
Bill Ewing – Operations Director
Kevin Heard – Event Coordinator, Entertainment Director
Nicky Heins – Volunteer Services Director
Pat Irwin – Contestant Notification & Recovery Manager
Lauren Johnson – Marathon Relay Director
Tricia Kelly – Problems & Solutions Director
Adam Korrick – U.S.-Only Half-Marathon Director
Katie Lakin – Course Set-Up Director
Joe Lipman – Finish Line Manager
Bryan Lively – Charity Director
Jeff MacBane – Social Community Manager
Danielle Marlett – Course Section Manager
Terrye Nicholls – Emergency Medical Services Manager
Heather Pacheco – Saturday Events Manager
Lauri Schippert – Finance Manager, Information Manager
Deb Scola – Lead Vehicles Manager
Ron Smerigan – Course Section Manager
Chris Stilwell – Course Security Director
Leah Yanuszski – Digital Director, Health & Fitness Expo Director