|
|
Michigan > Detroit Free Press Marathon, Half Marathon
& Relay
Detroit, MI
addthis
Date
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Event
Details
One of a select few races around the world that can truly be called an
international race -- its course really does take runners across two
nations -- the Detroit Free Press Marathon & Half Marathon
features an urban route that takes runners through the streets of the
Motor City and over into Ontario, Canada, for a run along the banks of
the Detroit River. The race even takes runners underground for a
mile-long stretch of the race, between the eighth and ninth miles
through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel under the river.
Mostly fast and flat and run on paved surfaces throughout, the race
starts in downtown Detroit on Washington Boulevard, just down the
street from the Grand Circus Park. From there, the course follows a
somewhat circuitous route through the city, running for a long stretch
along Michigan Avenue, followed by shorter stretches along Bagley,
Vernor and West Grand Boulevard. Though it's mostly level, the
race experiences one major uphill right after the mile 4 marker, when
runners cross the Ambassador Bridge over into Ontario and experience a
climb of about
200 feet in elevation.
After crossing the bridge, and giving up the elevation they've just
gained on the downhill side, runners then head into the campus of
Ontario's University of Windsor. The out-and-back run through campus
then gives way to a two-mile-long mostly straightaway run along the
banks of the river, along Riverside Drive through the Canadian city of
Windsor. Once they reach Goyeau Street, runners then start making the
turn that takes them through the tunnel and back into the United States
for the remaining four miles of the race.
The finish line lies close the starting line, just a few blocks down at
Campus Martius Park in the center of downtown Detroit. All throughout
the course, bands will be along the way to provide music and pump up
the participants, the field of which will be open to runners, walkers
and wheelchair participants. And there's lots to see of the revitalized
city center and riverfront areas along the way, including Tiger Stadium
(home of Major League Baseball's Detroit Tigers).
Race
Weather & Climate
Nestled in southern Michigan on the banks of the river that shares
the same name, the city of Detroit typically sees mild to moderately
cool and often cold weather in the early weeks of spring, with
occasional rain and sometimes snow. In April, temperatures during the
month average between 59°F and 39°F, while
precipitation amounts average around 2.7 inches for the month.
Fees
$50 if registered before June 28, 2008
$60 from June 29 - August 29
$75 from Aug. 30 - October 3
$100 at the weekend race expo (depending on availability)
Registration
Online registration for the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon
& Half Marathon opens March 31, 2008. For more information on
how to register, visit the race website's registration section.
Website
www.detroitmarathon.com
Course Map
View
Larger Map
Share
Your Race Story
Ever run in Detroit's annual Marathon or Half Marathon?
Share
your
impressions and read fellow runners' stories and tips for the event.
Discuss it in the HalfMarathons.Net
Message
Boards
|
|
|
