Detroit Free Press Marathon

Fri, Oct 16, 2026
United States
Detroit
100% asphalt
50,000
freepmarathon.com
Marathon
Half Marathon
Road Race
International Half-Marathon
Kids Marathon

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Road runs in United States, Detroit

Distances

Running
Marathon
42.2 km
Start: Oct 21, 11:00 AM
Running
Schülerlauf
25.2 km
Start: Oct 20, 02:15 PM
Running
Half-Marathon
21.1 km
Start: Oct 21, 11:00 AM
Running
International Half-Marathon
21.1 km
Start: Oct 21, 11:00 AM
Running
Motor City Half-Marathon
21.1 km
Start: Oct 21, 02:30 PM

About

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.

Pacers

Pace groups are provided for the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, and Motor City Half-Marathon (e.g., 3:00, 3:15 h). On Pace supplies pacers who lead target-paced groups and wave starts; pacer participation is included in the entry fee.

Results

View official results

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Surface mix

100% asphalt

Typical weather in Detroit

Monthly averages based on historical data (2000–present).

Jan31°19°

↑ 08:00

↓ 17:24

Feb34°19°

↑ 07:30

↓ 18:04

Mar45°28°

↑ 07:44

↓ 19:39

Apr56°39°

↑ 06:51

↓ 20:14

May68°51°

↑ 06:11

↓ 20:48

Jun78°62°

↑ 05:56

↓ 21:12

Jul82°66°

↑ 06:10

↓ 21:08

Aug80°65°

↑ 06:41

↓ 20:34

Sep73°59°

↑ 07:13

↓ 19:43

Oct61°47°

↑ 07:46

↓ 18:51

Nov48°36°

↑ 07:24

↓ 17:11

Dec37°26°

↑ 07:56

↓ 17:01

Weather data by Open-Meteo

Route maps

What's included in entry

Marathon distance
Half-Marathon distance
International Half-Marathon distance
Motor City Half-Marathon distance

Schülerlauf (Kids Marathon)
Aid stations/fluid stations
Medal
Race t-shirt

FAQ

What distances are offered at the Detroit Free Press Marathon?

The event offers a full Marathon (42.195 km), International Half-Marathon (21.0975 km), Motor City Half-Marathon (21.0975 km), and a Kids Marathon/Schülerlauf (25.2 mi / ~40.4 km).

What is the race date and start time?

Race weekend runs with the main marathon and half-marathons on Sunday, October 18, 2026; the Kids Marathon is on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 10:15 a.m. Exact wave start times vary by distance and are published closer to event day.

Do I need a passport or special documentation?

Yes — the International Half-Marathon crosses into Canada over the Ambassador Bridge and returns via the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel; valid travel documents are required.

What is included in the entry fee?

Includes the selected distance, race medal, official t-shirt, and access to aid stations. Pace groups for Marathon, International Half-Marathon, and Motor City Half-Marathon are included.

Last updated: Jun 5, 2026, 11:55:39 PM