Annual Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon – Oct 19-20th
Weekend Events Schedule
More than 25,000 runners from 48 states and 19 other countries will gather in Detroit to take part in the annual Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon events, October 19 – 21. Here is information on the events and start times:
Friday & Saturday Oct. 19 – 20, 2018
Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Health and Fitness Expo – On Oct. 19, from 2 – 8 p.m., and Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., the annual Health and Fitness Expo will be held at Cobo Center-Hall B and will feature more than 100 exhibitors, showcasing the latest in running footwear, apparel, nutrition, technology and more. The public is welcome to attend. Additionally, this site is where race participants will pick up race packets, purchase official 2018 Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon merchandise, and late registration entries will be accepted for the 1-Mile, 5K, Kids Fun Run and the US-only Half-Marathon events.
Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018:
Competitive 1-Mile – The inaugural 1-Mile race is a timed event and kicks off race weekend at 9:00 a.m., offering runners and walkers an opportunity to join in competition during Detroit’s Marathon Weekend. The Competitive 1-Mile course begins at William G. Milliken State Park, has four turns and a straight-away to the finish.
5K – The 3.1-Mile race starts Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. and will take participants along the Detroit Riverwalk, past Milliken State Park/Harbor, Chene Park and through the historic Rivertown Warehouse District before finishing in front of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, located at 1801 Atwater Street. More than 2,700 runners are expected to participate.
Meijer Kids Fun Run – Kids ages 4-12 will participate in this 0.85-mile run/walk beginning at 11:00 a.m. The fun-run begins and finishes at Atwater and Orleans Roads, and will get into the Saturday football tailgate spirit with games like Cornhole, football toss, face painting and a bounce house.
Participants, their families and guests are encouraged to show their college team pride by wearing their favorite college team colors on Saturday, October 20, which is also NCAA college football rivalry weekend in Michigan (Michigan State vs. Michigan; Central Michigan vs. Western Michigan). Saturday’s race events are held along the Detroit Riverfront and kick off the weekend of races.
Sunday, Oct. 21:
Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon – Beginning at 7:00 a.m., participants will run the course through downtown Detroit and Windsor, crossing the border at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Runners will follow the race course through the historic neighborhoods of Corktown, Mexicantown, Indian Village, and around beautiful Belle Isle and along the spectacular Detroit RiverWalk, starting and finishing their event at West Fort Street and Cass Avenue.
Disabilities Division – Handcycle and pushrim participants navigate the half or full marathon course beginning at 6:58 a.m.
Marathon Relay Event – Teams of three to five relay runners will cover the entire 26.2-mile distance beginning their relay race at 7:00 a.m. Each relay participant will run designated legs of three to seven miles throughout the Marathon course.
International Half-Marathon – Participants of the International Half-Marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m. and run the first half of the full Marathon course, completing their race at the West Fort Street and Cass Avenue finish line.
U.S.-Only Half-Marathon – Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the US-only Half-Marathon course start line will begin near the intersection of Cadillac Square and Bates Street, run the back half of the full Marathon course, and finish at the same location as the full and International Half-Marathon runners.
Conquered Afterparty – Participants, friends and family members are invited to celebrate their accomplishments from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the official Marathon afterparty located at the corner of 3rd Street and Lafayette Boulevard. The event features live entertainment from the award winning cover band Collision Six; a chance to win over $5,000 in prizes including free 2019 race registrations; local food truck favorites Mac Shack and El Guapo will be there to satisfy post-race cravings; cold beer will be available for a nominal price (all proceeds are donated to charity); and family fun including games and more.
About the Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon:
The Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon is Michigan’s largest road race and the only race to cross international borders twice. From the new runner to the more seasoned marathoner, there is a race for everyone. Participants can join the competitive 1-Mile, 5K or Meijer Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 20, or the Full Marathon, International Half-Marathon, U.S.-Only Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay on Sunday, October 21. This year is the 41st running of the event. Visit us to learn more about the Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon.
About Michigan.com:
The Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank Marathon is owned and produced by Michigan.com. Michigan.com produces a number of premier events in Metro Detroit, including the Freep Film Festival, the Wine & Food Experience, Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 Takeover, The Detroit News Dish & Design Series, Top Workplaces and The Detroit Free Press High School Sports Awards. Michigan.com also manages the business operations of The Detroit News under the terms of a federal Joint Operating Agreement.
*Logo courtesy of Detroit Free Press/Chemical Bank
