The Detroit Free Press Marathon has a storied history, and we’re excited for you to be a part of it.
In 1978, Neal Shine watched the Falmouth Road Race and was overwhelmed by what he saw. As managing editor of the Detroit Free Press, he suggested the newspaper sponsor something similar in Detroit. Since then, race directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants have helped grow the event into Michigan’s largest (and we argue best) road race.
Participants from Michigan, the United States and all over the world travel each year to Detroit to run with us.
Our race has something for everyone — from elite runners to casual walkers, from seasoned marathoners to newbies. And by offering races in a variety of distances, including a full marathon, two half-marathons, disabilities and relay divisions, a 5k walk/run, a competitive 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 our weekend of events happen is with the phenomenal support of race volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors.
2019 Accolades
Voted best Marathon and Half-Marathon in the State of Michigan by RaceRaves. Voted one of the best weekend experiences, in the top 20 Best Marathons, Half-Marathons and top 10 Awesome Medal & Bling categories by BibRave.
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.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon has a storied history, and we’re excited for you to be a part of it.
In 1978, Neal Shine watched the Falmouth Road Race and was overwhelmed by what he saw. As managing editor of the Detroit Free Press, he suggested the newspaper sponsor something similar in Detroit. Since then, race directors, staff, volunteers, sponsors and participants have helped grow the event into Michigan’s largest (and we argue best) road race.
Participants from Michigan, the United States and all over the world travel each year to Detroit to run with us.
Our race has something for everyone — from elite runners to casual walkers, from seasoned marathoners to newbies. And by offering races in a variety of distances, including a full marathon, two half-marathons, disabilities and relay divisions, a 5k walk/run, a competitive 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 our weekend of events happen is with the phenomenal support of race volunteers and the generosity of our sponsors.
2019 Accolades
Voted best Marathon and Half-Marathon in the State of Michigan by RaceRaves. Voted one of the best weekend experiences, in the top 20 Best Marathons, Half-Marathons and top 10 Awesome Medal & Bling categories by BibRave.
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.
