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

• 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.

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.

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.

More: Inspiring shop talk led this owner of a family business to the Detroit Free Press Marathon

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.

• 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.

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.