Check out some awesome Marathon photos!
The Detroit Free Press has a gallery of 200 photos from 2022’s Sunday race day. Check it out here.
Important update: The routes for Saturday races have changed
Due to unforeseen construction on the course, the Competitive 1-mile and 5k races have been redesigned. The 1-mile and 5k have been USATF certified.
The new course maps are below. All Saturday races will now share the same start/finish lines, which will be on Atwater St. between Rivard St. and Riopelle St.
The new routes are in the same general area along the east riverfront.
Race start times remain the same.
Competitive 1-Mile: 8:30 a.m.
5K: 8:50 a.m.
Meijer Kids Fun Run: 10 a.m.
Parking
We encourage you to arrive early to have enough time to park and head to the start line. If you’re looking for parking nearby, please check out garages near the Renaissance Center or street lots west of Rivard St. If you’re using street parking near the course, please make sure you’re not parking on the course, otherwise your vehicle will be towed. Greektown and the Financial District are also popular areas for parking, and a nice walk down to the riverfront.
Competitive 1-Mile
5K
Online registration is closed, but you can still sign up for U.S. races at Health & Fitness Expo
Advance, online registration for all races is now closed.
However, it’s still possible to join the U.S.-Only Half-Marathon, the 5K, Competitive 1-mile and the Meijer Kids Fun Fun by registering in-person at at the Health & Fitness Expo, which happens Friday, Oct. 14, and Saturday, Oct. 15, at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit. More details about the expo are here.
In-person registration begins at 1 p.m. Friday. It will remain open at the expo until all available spots are sold out. Sellouts are possible.
It’s no longer possible to register for races that cross the border into Canada.
Getting downtown on race weekend: Here are strategies, road closures and other key facts
Key facts
Ambassador Bridge Closure/Timing: The Ambassador Bridge will have restricted traffic on Sunday, Oct. 16. It will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6 a.m. until the last runner clears the bridge, which will be approximately 9:15 a.m.
Detroit/Windsor Tunnel Closure/Timing: The Detroit/Windsor Tunnel will have restricted traffic on Sunday, Oct. 16. It will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6:15 a.m. and will reopen to traffic at 10:00a.m.
The People Mover: The Detroit People Mover is generally not operational on Sundays. However, it will be running from 5 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, to handle Marathon-related traffic. A possible strategy would be to park outside the Marathon course, and take the People Mover into it.
The Fort/Cass station is the closest to the Start Line. The Michigan stop is the closest to the Finish, Gear Check, Runners Reunite and Conquered afterparty.
The People Mover is free for riders.
QLINE Detroit: The QLINE will have limited service on Saturday, Oct. 15, ending at State St. It will not be running on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Strategies for getting downtown
Strategy: Drive to and park in Greektown (east of Finish Line)
Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South to I-375 South and exit onto Lafayette and head west. Jefferson Ave. eastbound exit will be closed.
Although I-375 to Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) is open, access to northbound streets off of Jefferson Ave. will be limited due to course closures along Larned St. to the north. Jefferson Ave. to the Lodge Freeway heading north will remain open throughout race day. Eastbound E Jefferson will be accessible via the southbound I-375 turnaround, just east of Beaubien.
Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Take I-75 North to I-375 South and exit onto Lafayette and head west. Jefferson Ave. eastbound exit will be closed, however. Eastbound E. Jefferson will be accessible via the southbound I-375 turnaround, just east of Beaubien.
Although I-375 to Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) is open, access to northbound streets off of Jefferson Ave. will be limited due to course closures along Larned St. to the north. Jefferson Ave. to the Lodge Freeway heading north will remain open throughout race day.
Traveling from the east-side of metro Detroit: Head downtown via Gratiot Ave., which will be open throughout race day. Randolph St. and Beaubien Blvd. southbound traffic from Gratiot is open until the closure at Randolph and Congress.
Notable closures:
- Access to northbound streets off of westbound Jefferson Ave after St. Aubin Street will be limited due to course closures along Larned St to the north.
Traveling from the west-side of metro Detroit: Take I-94 to I-75 South to I-375 South and exit onto Lafayette and head west. The Jefferson Ave. eastbound exit will be closed, however. Eastbound E.Jefferson will be accessible via the southbound I-375 turnaround, just east of Beaubien.
Although I-375 to Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) is open, access to northbound streets off of Jefferson Ave. will be limited due to course closures along Larned St. to the north. Jefferson Ave. to the Lodge Freeway heading north will remain open throughout race day.
Strategy: Drive to and park near RenCen and Detroit Riverwalk (south end of course)
Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South to I-375 south to the Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) exit. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk.
Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Take I-75 North to I-375 south to the Jefferson Ave. west (downtown) exit. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk.
Notable closures:
- Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
- The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.
Traveling from the east side of metro Detroit: Head toward downtown via E. Jefferson Ave. westbound, which will be open throughout race day. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk. Lafayette westbound will be closed to downtown at Iroquois Ave.
Traveling from the west-side of metro Detroit: Take I-375 south to Jefferson Ave. westbound (downtown) exit. Use the left turnaround before Beaubien Blvd. to access St. Antoine and the RenCen area parking garages. All roads south of E. Jefferson and east of I-375 will be open along the Detroit Riverwalk.
Strategy: Drive to and park near Comerica Park/Ford Field area (north of Finish Line)
Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South to I-375 South. Exit Madison St. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from State St. is available until the closure at Edmund St. Southbound Woodward is closed at State St.
Notable closures:
- I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed.
- Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St.
Traveling from the east side of metro Detroit: Take Gratiot Ave. heading into downtown. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from Gratiot Ave. is available until the closure at Edmund St.
Notable closures:
- I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed.
- Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St.
Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Take I-75 North to I-375 South. Exit Madison St. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from State St. is available until the closure at Edmund St. Southbound Woodward is closed at State St.
Notable closures:
- I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed.
- Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St.
Traveling from the west-side of metro Detroit: Take I-94 to I-75 South to I-375 South. Exit Madison St. Most streets between Larned St. (south), Winder St. (north) and Washington Blvd. (west) will be open. Northbound Woodward from State St. is available until the closure at Edmund St. Southbound Woodward is closed at State St.
Notable closures:
- I-75 South exit 50 (Cass Ave.) is closed.
- Southbound Woodward Ave. heading into downtown will be closed at Charlotte St./Edmund St.
Strategy: Drive to and park in Corktown (far west side of course)
Traveling from the north of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South and exit at Rosa Parks Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south.
Notable closures:
- Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
- The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.
Traveling from the south of metro Detroit: Eastbound Michigan Ave. will be open until the course road closure at Washington Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south. If you are traveling northbound on I-75, the exit to Rosa Parks Blvd. will be open. The Lodge Freeway exit to Howard St. is open as well.
Notable closures:
- Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
- The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.
Traveling from the east side of metro Detroit: Take I-75 South and exit at Rosa Parks Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south.
Notable closures: :
- Eastbound Fort St. is closed at Grand Blvd.
- The Lodge Fwy. southbound is closed after the Howard St. exit.
Traveling from the west side of metro Detroit: Eastbound Michigan Ave. will be open until the course road closure at Washington Blvd. All streets in the Corktown neighborhood will be accessible except for the closure along Fort St. near the Detroit River to the south. The I-75 exit to Rosa Parks Blvd. will be open. The Lodge Freeway exit to Howard St. is open as well. The Lodge Fwy. southbound after the Howard St. exit is closed during the race.
Canada to drop all COVID-19 entry requirements: Here’s what that means for our runners
This morning, the Government of Canada announced the removal of all COVID-19-related entry restrictions, including testing quarantine, and isolation requirements for anyone entering Canada, effective Oct. 1, 2022. The full announcement can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/36dnbuc9
This means that Detroit Free Press Marathon international race participants U.S. residents will no longer have to:
- Provide and carry proof of vaccination at our Health & Fitness Expo.
- Provide and carry proof of vaccination on race day.
- Complete the ArriveCAN form prior to race day.
- Carry ArriveCAN registration on race day.
Non-U.S. citizens entering the U. S. for our races may still have COVID-19-related requirements. You can find more information about those here.
The changes announced by the Government of Canada will not impact the Detroit Free Press Marathon’s deadlines for registration, deferrals, transfer or change in category. The deadline to enter this year’s international races was Aug. 24, 2022. That means new international runners are not being accepted at this time.
The deadline to defer 2022 race registrations is Sept. 30, 2022.
“We welcome today’s announcement in time for this year’s return of our international components of the Detroit Free Press Marathon,” said Aaron Velthoven, vice president and executive producer of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. “The lifting of the COVID-19-related entry restrictions will simplify the race preparations for our participants, and is yet another step toward returning our great race to pre-pandemic norms.”
Reminder: All international runners will still need to present their WHTI-compliant document at the Health & Fitness Expo to pick up their race bib. All international runners will still need to carry their WHTI-compliant document during the race.
Here’s the latest on requirements for entering Canada for the Detroit Free Press Marathon
We’re aware of the news reports about potential changes to the COVID-19 related requirements for entering Canada, including easing current restrictions. And we know many of you have questions on how those potential changes might impact you leading up to race day and on it. We have not received any official communication on potential changes from the Canadian government, but we have read what has been reported over the past day.
Here’s what you can expect if changes to the COVID-19 related requirements to enter into Canada are announced prior to Detroit Free Press Marathon race day:
- The changes may impact what you’re required to bring to pick up your packet at the Health & Fitness Expo. They also might change what you’re required to run with during Sunday’s international races.
- The changes will not impact registration, deferrals, change in category or transfer deadlines. The deadline for this year’s international races was August 24, 2022. The deadline to defer your 2022 race registration is September 30, 2022.
We’ve been in constant communication with the Canadian government throughout the past year, to ensure our international runners are adhering to the current requirements to gain access to Canada during our uniquely international race. As those requirements change, we will communicate the impact of those changes to you as soon as possible.
Important reminder: All runners entering Canada must complete the ArriveCAN process
All runners entering Canada will need to complete the ArriveCAN process in advance of the race.
If you’re participating in any of the following events, ArriveCAN is required: Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Supreme or Wonder challenge series, or Legs 1 and 2 of the Marathon Relay.
You will need to have either a digital or paper copy of your ArriveCAN receipt on your person during your race.
Everything you need to know about ArriveCAN as it relates to the Detroit Free Press Marathon is in our FAQ.
Check out this year’s participant shirts! Plus we’ve got more news about super cool gear
They’re here! Check out our 2022 Detroit Free Press Marathon participant shirts! This year’s design celebrates our international return, highlighting America’s star and Canada’s maple leaf, and the bridge that brings both countries together.
Race distances will adorn the front of the shirt, along within our Detroit Free Press Marathon logo. We can’t wait to pass these out in two months! How do you get your shirt? Sign up for one of our races today, so you do not miss out! Register here: https://detroitmarathon.enmotive.com/events/register/2022-detroit-free-press-marathon.
We’ve got some more apparel news, too.
We’ve upped our headband game this year. These new Detroit Free Press Marathon headbands are available for purchase now. See the headbands and more great official gear from our exclusive distributor of marathon-connected merchandise, Running Lab https://www.runninglabstore.com/detroit-marathon/.
Detroit Free Press has details on 2022 course, including return to international racing
It’s our newsiest course announcement in years! The Detroit Free Press has the details, including specifics on our return to Canada and all the exciting new additions on the U.S. side.
Highlights include the addition of Eastern Market, the Dequindre Cut and a finish line at the foot of Campus Martius.
Read the full story here.
COVID-19 update as 2022 registration opens
As we move forward with plans for an international race in 2022, we will be closely monitoring ongoing developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ll be deciding on race weekend protocols — and communicating them to the marathon community — as we approach October. This will include answering questions about which specific safety measures will (or won’t) be mandated.
But as registration opens, there are a couple things we can say definitively in early 2022. They include a new requirement for registering for international races.
Because of the ever-changing nature of Covid-19, international border agencies are continuously adjusting policies regarding crossing the border. We are working with the U.S. Custom and Border Protection Agency and Canada Border Service Agency to ensure we are following all guidelines for international border crossing. As it stands at the opening of registration (Jan. 1, 2022), both the U.S. Custom and Border Protection Agency and Canada Border Service Agency require proof of Covid-19 vaccination to cross the border. The marathon will follow these guidelines for our international races.
That means: For our international races, you must be vaccinated at the time of registration — and show proof of it. This will include uploading a photo of your vaccination card.
Your proof of vaccination should align with current Canadian rules, which currently include having at least two doses of a vaccine accepted for travel, a mix of two accepted vaccines or at least one dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine. For more info on Canadian requirements, click here.
We will alert registrants and potential participants if any adjustments are made as the year moves forward.
