Detroit Free Press Marathon
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About the race
The Detroit Free Press Marathon is a multi-day race weekend presented by MSUFCU that takes place Oct. 16–18, 2026. The weekend program combines road races, community activities and event services organized around downtown Detroit.
Events during the weekend include:
- Marathon
- International Half-Marathon
- Motor City Half-Marathon
- Marathon Relay
- 5K
- 1-Mile
- Kids Marathon
- Meijer Little Detroit Dash
Supporting events and services listed for the weekend include the Kia Health & Fitness Expo, a Kia Conquered afterparty, a Children’s Hospital of Michigan family day, partner hotel registration, course maps, and a published participant guide. The International Half-Marathon is described as an international race that requires a valid travel document and features crossings into Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit Windsor Tunnel. The international race uses a wave start with groups assigned by projected pace, and participants must meet a minimum age requirement.
Race weekend planning resources include official merchandise, volunteer opportunities, charity fundraising options, adaptive athletes information, elite athlete entries, pace teams for selected races, and safety and anti doping policies. Courses and pace groups are noted as subject to change. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
