Half Marathon (run & walk)

Sunday, October 19, 2008

An official long-sleeve performance wicking shirt

Real-time results allowing family and friends to track your progress on race day

Commemorative Finish Medal

Fluid stations approximately every other mile

Entertainment stations approximately every mile

Free admission to Health and Fitness Expo

Discounted rates at various hotels

Plenty of finish-line refreshments

Finish-line massage

Opportunity to purchase official finish-line photos

Course Description:
The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon ranks as one of the best venues for running 26.2 miles in North America. Marathon and Beyond Magazine rates only six marathons higher.

Course Features:

International course crossing the US/Canadian border at two points

Dual start with line-up corrals (line up based on anticipated finishing time)

Ambassador Bridge

Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - the only underwater international mile in the world

Belle Isle

Historic neighborhoods

GU station

Entertainment stations

Numerous Port-a-Johns

This is a USATF-certified course. Click here for a complete description including course maps.

Registration and Deadlines
Registration is available on-line or by mailing a completed registration form.

Cancellation Policy
Entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE to another person, event (i.e., marathon, half marathon, or 5k), or year. This means that once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate. You may not transfer your entry to another participant. You may not transfer your entry to 2008 or any subsequent year.

Race Numbers
You will be given a race number at the time you register. Your confirmation will include your race number. Bring your confirmation with you to the health and fitness expo to receive your runner packet and to pick up your number. NO PACKET PICKUP ON RACE DAY - NO EXCEPTIONS

Race numbers must be visible at all times during the race, particularly when crossing international borders; therefore, please make certain that your number is pinned to the outer-most layer of clothing at all times. Failure to comply may result in your removal from the course.

Race numbers, computer timing chips, and t-shirts must be picked up at the Health and Fitness Expo. Entry confirmation will be mailed to you within three weeks of receipt of registration at the marathon office. If you provide an e-mail address, an e-mail confirmation will be sent (if received by the September deadline). All on-line entries will receive an e-mail confirmation. Please be certain to include your correct e-mail address.

Half Marathon Pace Teams

Want to run with a group?

Hope to finish within a certain time?

Trying to qualify for Boston?

Back again this year, pace teams will help runners complete the race or achieve personal records. Seasoned runners lead groups at different paces in ten-minute increments starting at 3:10 pace. Additional Team (caps) leaders are also needed. Participation is free! Sign up at the Marathon Expo! For more info, please contact Pacer Jim directly at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it .

If you need more information, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about pacers.

Walking Divisions-Competitive/Non-Competitive Walk
If you are registering for the walking division, you will be asked to select the competitive or non-competitive walk.

Competitive Walk
If you are registering for this division, you are expected to walk the entire distance of the half marathon. Completion of the course is on the honor system. We will provide a colored bib-back that reads "Walker" that you must have pinned to the outer-most layer of your clothing at all times. This will identify you to other competitive walkers competing in this division. If you are caught running any portion of the course, you will be disqualified.

Non-Competitive Walk
If you are registering for this division, you are generally expecting to walk the distance. However, we realize that you may, from time to time, get swept up in the excitement at the start and/or finish and jog. If you fit this description, this is the division that is best for you. However, if you are expecting to jog most of the way with a little walking, you should register for the half-marathon run.

Age-group awards are presented in all three divisions. (click here for awards )

Publish Your Participation
If your registration is received by the September deadline, your name and number will be printed in the marathon special section of the Detroit Free Press on the Thursday before race day.

Requirements
You must be able to complete the half marathon in 4 hours. You must be able to reach the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel by 9:45 a.m. If you do not make it to the tunnel by that time, your race is over. You will not be able to continue running or walking. A bus will transport you back to the United States and the finish area.

International Requirements
All half-marathon divisions are international events crossing the US/Canadian border twice. It is a privilege and an honor to use the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Do not drop articles of clothing, water bottles, tissue, or paper cups as you run across these prestigious landmarks.

It is imperative that you accurately complete all information on the registration form, including date of birth, citizenship, and green card information (if applicable). All registrations are submitted to the Department of Homeland Security for pre-approval. For further requirements and restrictions click.