By: Tom Spring
The Detroit Free Press Marathon, Michigan’s largest road race, is back this fall. For over 40 years, thousands have traveled from around the world to run in the Detroit Free Press Marathon races. This year, Priority Health is the Official Health Plan Sponsor of the Marathon, an event that encompasses people from all walks of life, not just elite runners.
As you prepare for the races, below is some valuable information to guarantee you have a safe and successful experience at the Detroit Free Press Marathon race this year.
Pre-Race Day
The Health and Fitness Expo is Friday, Oct. 15 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at TCF Center in downtown Detroit. Participants must have their race number to pick up their packet. An email will be sent out closer to race day with a link to retrieve the race number. Proceed to the pick-up area for your event (Marathon, Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay or 5K) to get your bib, t-shirt and goodie bag.
What to bring
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s race is U.S. only. You must bring proper proof of identity to receive your race number. For most participants, this means a driver’s license. All identification documents must have a photo, name and date of birth. If under 16 years of age, a parent/guardian may pick up the child’s race number.
Event Schedule
Saturday, Oct. 16
- 9 a.m. – Competitive 1-Mile (start at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor and finish in William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor)
- 9:30 a.m. – 5K (start near the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor and finish in William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, along the Detroit Riverwalk)
- 10:30 a.m. – Meijer Kids Fun Run (start and finish around the Outdoor Adventure Center and William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor, along the Detroit RiverWalk)
Sunday, Oct. 17
- 6:50 a.m. – Disabilities Division
- 7 a.m. – Full Marathon, Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay
Additional race information
Registration for all in-person events (Full Marathon, Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, Competitive 1-Mile, Kids Fun Run, and all Motor City Challenges) will remain open until sell-out or October 10, 2021, at 11:59 pm. After October 10, registration will open for all events at the Health & Fitness Expo provided spots remain and that distance is not sold out. Registration for all virtual events will remain open until sell-out or October 1, 2021, at 11:59 pm.
Based on the recent guidance from the CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services as well as the City of Detroit, we will not require proof of vaccination, negative COVID-19 test, or wearing a mask. For more COVID-19 updates, click here.
For more information, visit freepmarathon.com and follow the race’s Facebook page and Twitter.
About the author: Tom Spring is the wellness director at Priority Health.
