49th Detroit Free Press Marathon features 30,000 participants
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 18, 2026, 11:08 AM
Last updated Oct 18, 2026

The 49th Detroit Free Press Marathon commenced at 7 a.m. on October 18, 2026, from downtown Detroit's West Fort Street and 3rd Avenue. The event includes a full marathon, a half marathon, and a relay, with participants also taking off from the Adaptive Athlete Division at 6:58 a.m. This year’s route covers traditional paths through Canada and Detroit neighborhoods, ending on Woodward Avenue. The sold-out event has attracted 30,000 runners from all 50 states and 30 countries. It continues to be significant for the local economy, generating over $48 million last year.
- •Event began October 18 at 7 a.m. in downtown Detroit.
- •Participants include 30,000 runners from all 50 states and 30 countries.
- •Course features traditional routes through Canada and various Detroit neighborhoods.
- •The marathon is a net zero waste event.
- •Event generated over $48 million in economic impact in 2025.
- 11:08 AMYahoo Sports — 49th Detroit Free Press Marathon is under way
"The Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union began in downtown Detroit at 7 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026.
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