Detroit Marathon: Border-crossing excitement and the heartbeat of Motown!
Held every year on the third Sunday of October since 1978, the Detroit Marathon is a unique international marathon race that takes place in Detroit, Michigan, USA, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The biggest attraction is the unique experience of running through two countries, crossing the Ambassador Bridge into Canada and passing through the Windsor Tunnel to return to the United States. Share the excitement of crossing borders with runners from all over the world.
The course is a journey through Detroit’s rich history and culture. Run through iconic areas such as historic Woodbridge, the vibrant District Detroit, and the food treasure trove of Eastern Market, before heading for the finish line at Campus Martius. The warm support from the sidelines gives runners a strong push and energy to complete the race.
Feel the heartbeat of Motown and cross borders in this emotional 42.195km race!
Since its inception in 1978, the Detroit Marathon has been held every third Sunday in October and continues to attract runners as a unique international marathon that connects Detroit, Michigan, USA and Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Detroit’s rich history, culture, and the special experience of crossing borders await you!
Course Overview
Starting Point
The exciting starting point of the race is located in the center of Detroit. In recent years, the area near Fort Street in the heart of downtown has been used. Amidst a row of historic buildings, thousands of runners greet the start with their own goals in mind.
Highlights of the Course
The Detroit Marathon course is not just a running course. It is a journey to touch the soul of Detroit and experience its diverse charms.
・2km point： Woodbridge is a beautiful district lined with historic houses. It conveys the atmosphere of the good old United States to this day.
・5km point：District Detroit, the center of sports and entertainment. The lively atmosphere will inspire you.
・8km：Eastern Market is a historic public market. It is bustling with people on weekends and full of energy.
・10km：Dequindre Cut is a stylish area with unique shops and galleries.
・13km：Ambassador Bridge is a majestic bridge connecting the United States and Canada. From here, you will enter Windsor, Canada. The view from the bridge is breathtaking!
・14km to 20km：Run through the streets of Windsor. The warm support from the roadside will give you strength.
・22km：The Windsor Tunnel runs under the water of the Detroit River. It is a unique experience.
・25km to 40km：Along the Detroit River, you will muster your final strength while admiring the beautiful river scenery.Back to downtown Detroit. Make a final sprint toward the finish line at Campus Martius.
Finish point:
The end of the long journey of 42.195km is at the foot of Campus Martius in the center of Detroit. A sense of accomplishment and warm applause from the many spectators will surround the runners who have completed the course.
Course elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The Detroit Marathon course is relatively flat, but there are some gentle ups and downs, such as the Ambassador Bridge and the entrance and exit to the tunnel. Since there is no large difference in elevation throughout the course, it can be said to be a relatively easy course to run.
・Climate：The average temperature in Detroit in October is around 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. It can be cold in the mornings and evenings, but the weather is often comfortable and suitable for running during the day. However, the temperature changes from year to year, so please check the weather forecast in advance.
Participant comments
・”Running over the Ambassador Bridge at sunrise lives up to all the hype. It’s truly spectacular.”
・”The experience of crossing an international border twice in one race is incredible and so unique.”
・”It’s a surprisingly flat course after the bridge and tunnel, which is great for pushing the pace.”
・”The run through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel is an experience I’ll never forget. A little challenging, but totally worth it.”
・”The crowd support in the Detroit neighborhoods, especially Indian Village, was fantastic and kept me going.”
・”Logistics were smooth, and the downtown finish at Campus Martius is a great spot.”
Strategy
Conquering the Detroit Free Press Marathon requires a strategic approach to the international crossings. The key is to not start too fast and to manage your energy carefully for the two major ascents: the Ambassador Bridge (around Mile 2-3) and the climb out of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (around Mile 10). Use the generally flat nature of the rest of the course, especially the second half through Detroit’s neighborhoods, to maintain a consistent pace. Be prepared for potential wind on the bridge and along the river. Pacing conservatively through the early hills will allow you to capitalize on the flatter latter miles for a strong finish.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon is a 42.195km journey of international significance. Run across two countries and experience the thrill of a lifetime in the Motor City.
2025 Detroit Marathon Summary
・Date and time: October 19, 2025
・Number of finishers:-
・Average Time:-
MEN
1:Andy Bowman:2:16:10
2:Tom Brady:2:19:19
3:Zac Truman:2:20:38
4:Connor Mora:2:24:21
5:Noah Verlinde:2:28:15
6:Aidan Bustillo:2:29:25
7:Matthew Carter:2:29:51
8:Micah Lorenzen:2:30:13
9:Clark Kelly:2:31:58
10:Jin-Sae Ro:2:32:16
WOMEN
1:Christina Welsh:2:46:59
2:Reagan Justice:2:48:09
3:Bridget Stacy:2:50:42
4:Grace Nolan:2:50:58
5:Kelsey Macaddino:2:54:20
6:Melissa Kessler:2:57:25
7:Kayla Hughes:2:57:54
8:Avery Wright:2:59:23
9:Allison Sherman:3:00:23
10:Alena Tonne:3:02:41
2026 Detroit Marathon
Ready for an extraordinary run? Join runners from around the world for a 42.195km adventure that crosses international borders. Push your limits on this Boston Qualifier course and create a truly unique memory.
・Location: Downtown Detroit (Start at Fort and 3rd Streets)
・Date and time: October 18, 2026
・Start time: 7:00 am (Main Field)
Detroit: Rediscover the inspiring charm of the city where Motown spirit and innovation live on
Detroit once dominated the world music scene as “Motown” and led the development of America as the center of the automobile industry. This city, with its weight of history and the pioneering spirit of always creating new things, has many faces that attract visitors. Walking through the streets of Detroit, where past glory and hope for the future intersect, you will notice the harmony of industrial beauty and artistic creativity.
If you are a music fan, the Motown Historical Museum is a sacred place that you cannot miss. In the studio where legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Diana Ross were born, you can feel the heat and creative energy of the time. Music memories live on throughout the city, and the fresh sounds of local artists will captivate you at the live houses.
Detroit, which was the center of the automobile industry, has many places that convey its history to the present day. The former Ford Pickett Avenue factory site is being reborn as a new cultural space while preserving its industrial heritage. It can be said that the cars that run through the city are a symbol of Detroit’s identity.
In recent years, Detroit has undergone remarkable changes. Stylish restaurants, bars, and unique shops have opened one after another in downtown, filling the city with new vitality. Historical buildings have been restored and beautifully color the city’s landscape. In particular, the Riverwalk along the Detroit River is a popular place of relaxation for residents and tourists, where you can spend a peaceful time while looking at the view of Canada on the opposite bank.
The art scene is also one of Detroit’s attractive aspects. The Detroit Institute of Arts boasts a world-famous collection, and the works of Mexican painter Diego Rivera, known for his murals, are a must-see. Graffiti and street art are also abundant throughout the city, creating a free atmosphere. The buildings become canvases for art, and you can discover beauty, which is a unique charm of Detroit.
Past and future, industry and art, destruction and rebirth. Detroit is a city of contrasts that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, so come and see for yourself the real charm of Detroit.
