Detroit free press marathon

Friday, October 17 – Sunday, October 19, 2025 Past event

Detroit, Michigan

$20.00–$250.00 · 4 races

5km, Half Marathon, Marathon

Event summary

Join the excitement at the Detroit Free Press Marathon, taking place from October 17th to October 19th, 2025, in the vibrant city of Detroit, Wayne! This extraordinary event is celebrated as one of North America's most unique races, offering participants the rare opportunity to cross international borders. Runners will traverse from Detroit, Michigan into Windsor, Canada via the iconic Ambassador Bridge and return through the one-of-a-kind Detroit–Windsor Tunnel, the only underwater mile in any marathon.

The event caters to all levels of runners with a variety of race distances, including a full marathon, international and U.S.-only half marathons, a marathon relay, and shorter options like the 5K and 1-mile fun run. As a USATF-certified and Boston-qualifying race, the Detroit Free Press Marathon is a popular choice for both seasoned competitors and first-time marathoners. The scenic course winds through Detroit’s most iconic neighborhoods, including Midtown and Eastern Market, culminating in a high-energy finish at Campus Martius Park. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply want to soak in the sights and sounds of this unforgettable marathon, mark your calendar for an event you won't want to miss!

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Races

Adaptive Marathon

Friday, Oct 17, 2025

$150.00

Entries closed
Half Marathon

Friday, Oct 17, 2025

$250.00

Entries closed
5k

Friday, Oct 17, 2025

$60.00

Entries closed
Kids

Price from

Friday, Oct 17, 2025

$20.00

Entries closed

Organiser's description

The Detroit Free Press Marathon is one of the most unique races in North America, taking place every October and offering runners the rare chance to cross international borders. The full marathon course takes participants from Detroit, Michigan into Windsor, Canada via the Ambassador Bridge, and returns through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel—the only underwater mile in any marathon. The event features a full marathon, international and U.S.-only half marathons, a marathon relay, and shorter races like the 5K and 1-mile fun run, making it perfect for all levels of runners.

As a USATF-certified and Boston-qualifying race, the Detroit Free Press Marathon is a favourite among serious competitors and first-time marathoners alike. The course winds through some of Detroit’s most iconic neighbourhoods, including Midtown, Eastern Market, and along the scenic riverfront, with a high-energy finish in Campus Martius Park. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just want to experience one of the most memorable marathon routes in the world, this race is not to be missed.