Marathon

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Start time: 7:15 a.m.

Register Now

Amenities
All registered runners receive:

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, Boston-qualifier course. Click here for a complete description including course maps.

Registration
On-line registration for the 2008 Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon opens March 31.

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 any subsequent year.

Marathon Teams
Unlike the relays, this division is only for those individuals running the full marathon. Runners can form teams of 3 to 5 marathoners, and the fastest three finish times will be added for a total team time, with the fastest team winning. Marathon teams will compete in one of three open divisions-male, female, and mixed-gender teams. Marathoners are encouraged to find teammates from training groups, running clubs, or the workplace for some added competition. Challenging a rival team can certainly fire up your team before race day. Teams must submit a completed Marathon Team Entry Form. Participation in the Marathon Teams division does not disqualify runners from the individual awards.

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.

Is this your first marathon? Let us know when you register. All first-time runners receive a special green number. Detroit knows and loves its 'greenies' and gives you the added support and cheer you need to cross the finish line.

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.

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 marathon in 6 hours and 30 minutes (from 7:15 a.m.) and be at least 16 years of age to compete. You must be able to make it to 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 take you back to the United States and the finish area.

International Requirements
The marathon, half marathon, and relays 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 .