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Detroit Free Press Marathon returns Oct. 17-19: Parking, road closures, tracking, more

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Detroit Free Press Marathon returns Oct. 17-19: Parking, road closures, tracking, more


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  • More than 26,000 runners are registered for the 48th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon weekend, Oct. 17-19.
  • The event features eight sold-out races —including two international border crossings— parties, live music, food and tens of thousands of spectators.

The largest international race in North America returns to Detroit this weekend — and crosses into Windsor.

The 48th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSU Federal Credit Union, will send runners over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada and back through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, rain or shine.

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The marathon weekend runs Oct. 17-19 and features eight sold-out races, two international border crossings, live music, food and tens of thousands of spectators. More than 26,000 participants are registered this year.

Sunday’s races — the Marathon, International Half, Motor City Half and Marathon Relay — sold out faster than ever before, organizers said. The event also includes Saturday’s 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage Door, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.

Marathon weekend schedule and events

The weekend begins with the free Health and Fitness Expo at Huntington Place, open from 1-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18. The event features Detroit Free Press Marathon apparel and vendors offering the latest in running shoes, clothing, nutrition, technology and more.

Other weekend highlights include the official warm-up party Friday at Chalet 313 in Campus Martius, from 7–9 p.m., and the Blessing of the Sneakers service Saturday at 5 p.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Jesuit Church.

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Race start times:

  • Saturday, Oct. 18:
    • 1-mile: 8:25 a.m.
    • 5K: 8:50 a.m.
    • Meijer Little Detroit Dash: 10:05 a.m.
    • Kids marathon: 10:15 a.m.
  • Sunday, Oct. 19:
    • Gear check: opens at 5:30 a.m. at Monroe Street and Woodward Avenue.
    • International marathon: 7 a.m. (Adaptive athletes start at 6:58 a.m.)
    • International half-marathon: 7 a.m.
    • Marathon relay: 7 a.m.
    • Motor City half-marathon: 10:30 a.m.
    • Awards ceremony: 11 a.m.
    • After party “Conquered” at Campus Martius: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Where do the races kick off?

All Saturday races are held on the Detroit Riverfront and start at Atwater and Rivard streets. All Sunday races begin on Fort Street between the Lodge Service Drive and Third Avenue, with the finish line at the intersection of Woodward Ave. and Congress Street at the foot of the Michigan Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monument in Campus Martius Park.

For maps of the marathon, half-marathons, relay and 5K courses, see our previous coverage: Detroit Free Press Marathon 2025: Route, maps, parking, road closures to know.

Weather during marathon weekend

Runners and spectators at this year’s Detroit Free Press Marathon should brace for a warm but wet weekend, with showers, possible thunderstorms and gusty winds expected to hit the Detroit-Windsor area, according to forecasters.

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  • Friday: Starts dry with highs in the mid-60s before a 30%–40% chance of evening showers.
  • Saturday: Highs in the mid to upper 70s, with a brief dry stretch expected late morning into early afternoon. Rain chances then increase to 70% to 80% by the evening.
  • Sunday: Marathon day brings an 80% chance of showers, possible thunderstorms and winds gusting 25–40 mph, with highs near 66 degrees.

“It’s not really looking to be a pleasant Sunday at all, especially for anyone who’s walking or running in the marathon,” said Alex Mannion, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township.

Experts recommend runners wear light, moisture-wicking layers, shoes with traction and a hat to keep rain off the face.

Detroit marathon 2025 road closures and restrictions

Roads along the course will begin closing as early as 4 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19, when the full marathon and international crossings take place. Drivers are encouraged to park outside the course perimeter and plan extra travel time.

Sunday road closures include:

  • Monroe Street: Closed from Randolph Street to the I-375 Service Drive.
  • Northbound streets off Jefferson Avenue: Limited access north of St. Aubin Street.
  • Grand River (southbound): Closed at Cass Avenue.
  • Woodward Avenue (southbound): Closed south of Adelaide Street.
  • Lafayette Street (westbound): Closed at Iroquois Avenue.
  • Fort Street (eastbound) in Corktown: Closed at Grand Boulevard.
  • Lodge Freeway (southbound): Closed after Howard Street.
  • M-10 South: Closed at Howard Street.

The Ambassador Bridge will have restricted traffic, and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel will be closed from 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 19.

Detroit Free Press Marathon parking

Marathon organizers recommend booking your parking in advance via SpotHero. Reserve your parking spot using the Detroit Free Press Marathon SpotHero Parking Page.

Race packets

International race packets must be picked up in person at the Health and Fitness Expo on Friday or Saturday. Packets for the Motor City Half Marathon, 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon and Meijer Little Detroit Dash can be collected at the expo by the runner or someone with a printed confirmation email. Runners in the 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon and Meijer Little Detroit Dash may also pick up packets Saturday morning near the start/finish line.

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All international race participants must bring valid travel documents to pick up their race packets.

Tracking runners and results

Live runner tracking is available on the Detroit Free Press Marathon app, which lets users search runners by name or bib number in the “start tracking” feature. The app can be downloaded on Apple or Android devices. Unofficial results will be posted on the marathon’s website immediately after the races.

Awards will be presented during the on-stage ceremony at 11 a.m. Sunday at Campus Martius as part of the Conquered after party, featuring food trucks, photo ops and live music.

For any other details, download the 2025 Marathon Guide here or visit freepmarathon.com.

Nour Rahal is a trending and breaking news reporter. Email her: nrahal@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @nrahal1.

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Detroit, MI

Detroit People Mover resumes service after nearly 2 months of repairs

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Detroit People Mover resumes service after nearly 2 months of repairs


The Detroit People Mover is back up and running after being closed for the past two months for repairs following storm damage.

According to the Detroit Transportation Corporation, the People Mover reopened to the public at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

High winds on March 13 forced the People Mover to undergo a series of repairs, including undercarriage sheet metal removal, track cable communications and switch mechanisms.

Over the last 16 days, People Mover cars have been out for tests ahead of the reopening.

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“Rider safety is always at the heart of what we do, and it is our responsibility as a public transit provider,” DTE CEO Melia Howard said in a statement. “The time was a necessary requirement to restore key, operational components and is an investment in the continued reliability of the system. We take pride in the role that the People Mover plays for residents, workers and visitors, and we look forward to being the go-to public transportation for both daily rides and special events which bring everyone together.”





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Detroit, MI

Tigers’ Framber Valdez ejected as benches clear after hit-by-pitch

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Tigers’ Framber Valdez ejected as benches clear after hit-by-pitch


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Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez was ejected from his start Tuesday, May 5, against the Boston Red Sox before recording an out in the fourth inning.

The 32-year-old was ejected by third-base umpire and crew chief Dan Iassogna for hitting Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story with a first-pitch 94.4 mph four-seam fastball – immediately after giving up back-to-back home runs.

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The hit-by-pitch appeared to be intentional, especially because the pitch registered as the only four-seam fastball that Valdez has thrown in the 2026 season.

The Red Sox scored 10 runs off Valdez, including two in the fourth inning on home runs from Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu, both with bat flips. That’s when Valdez hit Story, who absorbed the pitch with his back.

Players and coaches from both teams’ benches and bullpens poured onto the field at Comerica Park.

Valdez stood near the mound during the skirmish, all while his teammates and coaches exchanged words with players and coaches from the Red Sox.

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There was no brawl.

Before benches and bullpens cleared, Story stared down Valdez from near home plate, and Valdez took several steps in front of the pitching mound.

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The two never came close to a fight.

Afterward, the umpires gathered, discussed what had happened and ejected Valdez. He didn’t protest the ejection, simply walking off the mound and into the clubhouse.

Both teams were warned not to retaliate.

Valdez – a two-time All-Star in his nine-year MLB career – allowed 10 runs (seven earned runs) on nine hits and one walk with three strikeouts across three-plus innings, throwing 45 of 60 pitches for strikes.

He generated six misses on 34 swings for a below-average 17.6% whiff rate, while the Red Sox averaged an above-average 93.3 mph exit velocity on 16 balls in play.

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Valdez has a 4.57 ERA in eight starts.

The Tigers – led by president of baseball operations Scott Harris – signed Valdez in early February to a lucrative contract that will be worth three years, $115 million if he exercises his player option for the third season.

The deal set the MLB record for the highest average annual value guaranteed to a left-handed pitcher, at $38.3 million.

So far, the results have been disappointing.

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The hit-by-pitch in Tuesday’s meltdown didn’t help.

Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@freepress.com or follow him @EvanPetzold.





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Detroit, MI

A New Day for Detroit’s Dakota Inn – Hour Detroit Magazine

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A New Day for Detroit’s Dakota Inn – Hour Detroit Magazine


Photo Courtesy of the Dakota Inn

For generations of Detroiters, the Dakota Inn Rathskeller has been more than a bar—it’s been a ritual. A place where communal tables, steins raised high, and the familiar sound of German folk songs have created a sense of belonging that transcends time. Now, as the city continues its cultural resurgence, the Dakota Inn is entering a bold new chapter—one that honors its storied past while opening the doors to an entirely new kind of experience.

This summer, the transformation is unmistakable.

At the heart of the revival is a sprawling outdoor Biergarten—an ambitious expansion that reimagines the Dakota Inn as both a neighborhood anchor and a destination venue. Designed to evoke the charm of traditional European beer gardens while embracing Detroit’s gritty, creative energy, the space invites guests to linger. Long wooden tables stretch beneath open skies, string lights glow into the evening, and the hum of conversation blends with live music and clinking glasses. It’s communal, celebratory, and distinctly Detroit.

But the evolution doesn’t stop with beer.

The Dakota Inn is broadening its cultural reach with a thoughtfully curated lineup of events that extend far beyond its traditional roots. Jazz & Film Nights promise to turn warm evenings into immersive experiences, pairing live performances with classic and contemporary cinema. The concept feels both nostalgic and fresh—an echo of Detroit’s rich musical heritage layered with a modern, cinematic sensibility.

Photo Courtesy of the Dakota Inn

Wine tastings, too, are joining the calendar, signaling a more expansive approach to hospitality. These events aim to attract a wider audience while maintaining the venue’s approachable, convivial spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or simply curious, the goal is the same: bring people together around shared experiences.

And then there’s soccer.

With World Cup excitement on the horizon, the Dakota Inn is positioning itself as one of the city’s premier gathering spots for international watch parties. The Biergarten will come alive with fans from all backgrounds, united by the universal language of the game. Large screens, cold drinks, and a festival-like atmosphere will transform match days into something closer to a civic celebration than a simple viewing.

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What makes this moment particularly compelling is the balance being struck. The Dakota Inn isn’t abandoning its identity—it’s expanding it. The familiar sing-alongs, the old-world décor, the sense of history etched into the walls—all of that remains. But now, it exists alongside new programming that reflects the diversity and dynamism of Detroit itself.

Photo Courtesy of the Dakota Inn

This is not a reinvention for reinvention’s sake. It’s a thoughtful evolution, rooted in the belief that historic spaces can—and should—adapt to the communities they serve.

On any given summer night, you might find a table of old friends singing a German drinking song, a couple discovering the space for the first time over a glass of wine, or a crowd gathered around a screen, erupting in cheers as a goal is scored thousands of miles away. Different scenes, different energies—but all part of the same story.

A new day has arrived at the Dakota Inn Rathskeller, and if this summer is any indication, its next chapter may be its most vibrant yet.

The Dakota Inn

17324 John R St, Detroit, MI 48203

(313) 867-9722

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