The Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon has a storied history, and we’re excited for you to join the tale.
40 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, 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.
Accolades
Competitor magazine has included Detroit when picking its 26 most memorable miles from marathons across the country. The magazine called the mile over the bridge as “more scenic” but the mile through the tunnel the “more memorable.” Rodale publishing (parent of Runner’s World magazine) has selected Detroit as one of its 10 best events for first-time marathoners. Marathon & Beyond magazine has included Detroit in its ranking of the Top 25 finisher medals for North American marathons.
As of July 2015, we are proud to announce we are a founding race partner of the USA Today Sports Active Alliance. As of 2016. we are proud to be a part of the Sister Marathon Peace Initiative. The Sister Marathon community aims to build lasting friendships across cultures that serve to bring the world closer together.
Who We Are
Barbara Bennage – Executive Race Director
Matt Scodellaro – Assistant Race Director
Mari Anzicek – Start/Finish Area Director
Dr. Jenny Atas – Medical Director
Bill Ewing – Operations Director
Nicki Heins – Volunteer Services Director
Lauren Johnson – Relay Director
David Kim – Entertainment Director
Adam Korrick – U.S.-Only Half-Marathon Director
Heather Pacheco – 5K and Kids Fun Run Director
Matt Sawicki – Fluids Director
Deb Scola – Community Relations Director
Kevin Wilson – Course Director
Leah Yanuszeski – Digital Director
On behalf of the volunteers, sponsors and all marathon organizers, we look forward to seeing you at the Start Line in Detroit for this exciting experience.