The Detroit Free Press Marathon isn’t just a race — it’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
It all started in 1978, when Neal Shine, then managing editor of the Detroit Free Press, came back from the Falmouth Road Race with a bold idea: Detroit deserved a world-class marathon of its own. More than four decades later, that idea has grown into Michigan’s largest road race and one of the most unforgettable marathon weekends in the country.
Every October, runners from Michigan, across the United States, Canada, and around the world come to Detroit for something truly unique. This is the only international marathon in North America where participants cross into Canada over the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise, then return to the United States through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel — watching the city come alive as they run between two countries. It’s loud, it’s electric, and it’s pure Detroit.
The weekend is built for everyone — from seasoned marathoners chasing big goals to first-timers, families, and kids discovering the joy of running. Events include the marathon, two half-marathons, a marathon relay, 5K, 1-mile, Kids Marathon, and the Little Detroit Dash. Whether you’re racing hard, running for fun, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of it.
And none of it happens without the people who make it all go. Our volunteers bring the energy, our sponsors provide the support, and our participants bring the heart. Together, they turn Detroit into a global running celebration every fall.
2025 Accolades
Voted Best Marathon in the U.S. by USA Today Readers.
Voted Best Marathon in Michigan by RaceRaves.
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 isn’t just a race — it’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
It all started in 1978, when Neal Shine, then managing editor of the Detroit Free Press, came back from the Falmouth Road Race with a bold idea: Detroit deserved a world-class marathon of its own. More than four decades later, that idea has grown into Michigan’s largest road race and one of the most unforgettable marathon weekends in the country.
Every October, runners from Michigan, across the United States, Canada, and around the world come to Detroit for something truly unique. This is the only international marathon in North America where participants cross into Canada over the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise, then return to the United States through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel — watching the city come alive as they run between two countries. It’s loud, it’s electric, and it’s pure Detroit.
The weekend is built for everyone — from seasoned marathoners chasing big goals to first-timers, families, and kids discovering the joy of running. Events include the marathon, two half-marathons, a marathon relay, 5K, 1-mile, Kids Marathon, and the Little Detroit Dash. Whether you’re racing hard, running for fun, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of it.
And none of it happens without the people who make it all go. Our volunteers bring the energy, our sponsors provide the support, and our participants bring the heart. Together, they turn Detroit into a global running celebration every fall.
2025 Accolades
Voted Best Marathon in the U.S. by USA Today Readers.
Voted Best Marathon in Michigan by RaceRaves.
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 isn’t just a race — it’s an experience you can’t get anywhere else.
It all started in 1978, when Neal Shine, then managing editor of the Detroit Free Press, came back from the Falmouth Road Race with a bold idea: Detroit deserved a world-class marathon of its own. More than four decades later, that idea has grown into Michigan’s largest road race and one of the most unforgettable marathon weekends in the country.
Every October, runners from Michigan, across the United States, Canada, and around the world come to Detroit for something truly unique. This is the only international marathon in North America where participants cross into Canada over the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise, then return to the United States through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel — watching the city come alive as they run between two countries. It’s loud, it’s electric, and it’s pure Detroit.
The weekend is built for everyone — from seasoned marathoners chasing big goals to first-timers, families, and kids discovering the joy of running. Events include the marathon, two half-marathons, a marathon relay, 5K, 1-mile, Kids Marathon, and the Little Detroit Dash. Whether you’re racing hard, running for fun, or cheering from the sidelines, you’re part of it.
And none of it happens without the people who make it all go. Our volunteers bring the energy, our sponsors provide the support, and our participants bring the heart. Together, they turn Detroit into a global running celebration every fall.
2025 Accolades
Voted Best Marathon in the U.S. by USA Today Readers.
Voted Best Marathon in Michigan by RaceRaves.
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.
