Requirements & Restrictions

Sunday, October 19, 2008

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

Details for the races are still being finalized. Please check back for updates.

5k Fun Run & Fitness Walk and Kids' Mini-Marathon
There are no course or age restrictions.

Marathon, Half Marathon Run/Walk, Team Relays
You must be 16 years of age or older to run the marathon distance (26.2 miles). There are no age restrictions on the half marathon run/walk or team relays.

Participants must be able to complete the marathon in six and a half hours and the half marathon in four hours from the sound of the start horn at 7:15 a.m.

Participants must also be able to make it to the entrance of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel in Windsor, Ontario by no later than 9:45 a.m. If you do not make it to the tunnel by that time, your race is over. A bus will transport you back to the U.S. and the finish line.

Pacers will be provided and will maintain a correct speed to finish the Marathon in 6:30 hours and the half marathon in 4:00 hours and will cross the finish line last. Race course officials will monitor the progress of all participants. Those participants who drop behind these "Last Chance Pacers" will be asked to board a bus to be transported back to the finish.

Border restrictions:
The marathon, half marathon and relays cross international borders. Both borders will be heavility secured and patrolled. Anyone attempting to cross the bridge or the tunnel without a visible number will be arrested. Illegal entry into a foreign country is a serious offense. Such a crime will remain a part of your record. Therefore, do not attempt to cross the borders without a number AND do not switch numbers or lend them to anyone. Bandits and illegal pacers are not allowed. (Do not jump in to support your family or friend.)

Headphones:
The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon strongly discourages the wearing of music devices. Participants must be alert to their surroundings and able to hear medical emergency vehicles, motorcycles, buses and official marathon vehicles. For your safety and the safety of those around you, we strongly urge you to run headphone-free.

Relay Exchange Zone and Finish Line Restrictions:
Relay team members must keep the exchange zones on the marathon course clear. In other words, team members must remain in their corral until the runner they are handing off to arrives for the exchange. Lining up on the marathon route is prohibited. Failure to comply may result in team disqualification.

Only one team member is allowed to run the Glory Leg crossing the finish line. A team member from another leg may not cross the finish line before or after the last team member crosses. Team members will be able to reunite at the finish area for celebration and a team-finish photo.