The Detroit Free Press Marathon Announces Woodward Sports Network as Their Broadcast Partner

Photo Courtesy of The Detroit Free Press Marathon

Woodward Sports Network’s coverage will feature live broadcast from the finish line, locations along the Marathon Course, and the Kia Conquered Afterparty.

  The Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSUFCU will be broadcasted live through a dedicated broadcast partner.

The Marathon announced today that Woodward Sports Network, the digital-first sports media company devoted to covering Detroit and Michigan sports, will carry live broadcasts from the course, finish line, and the Kia Conquered Afterparty at Campus Martius along with exclusive recorded coverage featuring the stories behind several runners’ journeys to the starting line. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is taking place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, with live coverage starting at 6am ET on Woodward Sports.

Woodward Sports Network is known for their candid, in-dept coverage of Detroit and Michigan athletics and their popular viewing parties.  Woodward Sports hosts will bring their enthusiasm for Michigan sports to the Marathon course, offering live feeds of runners crossing the finish line, joining neighborhood parties along the course, and being the first to speak to recovering runners at the Kia Conquered Afterparty.  Tommie Runz, a native Detroit runner, founder of Chip Time Running, and host of “The Run Eat Sleep Show” podcast, will join Woodward Sports as the official commentator for live race coverage. Marathon coverage will be available on the Woodward Sports YouTube page (@WoodwardSports), with more information available online at www.WoodwardSports.com.

In addition to live coverage of the Marathon, Woodward Sports will feature in-depth stories chronicling the unique journeys that brought several runners to the starting line.

“Woodward Sports is honored to be the broadcast partner of the Detroit Free Press Marathon,” said Joey Namou, CEO and Founder of Woodward Sports.  “We’re excited to give Detroiters and viewers around the world a chance to witness one of the best marathons in the country as it unfolds.”

“Partnering with Woodward Sports, a network committed to championing Detroit sports, was a natural fit,” added Aaron Velthoven, Vice President and Race Director of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. “Together, we’ll showcase our city, celebrate our runners and capture the unforgettable moments that make our course unlike any other.”

The 49^th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 18 and includes a weekend of racing with a 5K, 1 Mile, Meijer Little Detroit Dash, and Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health on Saturday, October 17 and the International Half-Marathon and Motor City Half Marathon on Sunday.

Woodward Sports Network’s broadcast coverage will bring The Detroit Free Press Marathon, which has been voted Best Marathon by USA Today readers in 2025 and 2026, in front of audiences beyond Detroit and Southeast Michigan.  Viewers around the world will finally have a chance to experience this one-of-a-kind race, the only marathon in the world that crosses two international borders and features an underwater mile.  The Marathon and Detroit itself will take the international stage for a celebration of racing!

About the Detroit Free Press Marathon:

The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. Established in 1978, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has grown into one of the world’s premier running events, famously crossing international borders to showcase the best of the Motor City and Windsor, Canada. With a mission of promoting health, community involvement and world-class competition, the marathon stands as a highlight of Detroit’s annual sporting calendar. This year’s race weekend arrives October 16-18, 2026. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5k, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. Beyond the races, the weekend features an expansive Kia Health & Fitness Expo, community engagement and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit www.freepmarathon.com or follow us on social media at Facebookand Instagram.

About Woodward Sports:

Woodward Sports Network is a Detroit-based digital media platform delivering sports news, analysis, and commentary with a strong focus on local engagement and community. Featuring a lineup that includes Braylon Edwards, Anson Wells, Neal Ruhl, Sean Baligian, Spencer Raxter, Eazy, Jeff Iafrate, Booner and more, the network provides original programming across video, social, and podcast platforms.

Woodward Sports is committed to creating a space where fans can connect, share perspectives, and be part of the conversation. By blending sports coverage with cultural storytelling, the network continues to grow as a destination for engaged and passionate audiences.

For more information, visit www.WoodwardSports.com, or on social YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X (@WoodwardSports)