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Marathon weekend in Detroit attracts thousands of runners from all over the country to participate in the events on Saturday and Sunday. The Detroit Free Press Marathon is a favorite fall race for many, taking place the weekend after the Chicago Marathon each year. Registration opens on January 1st, so be sure to mark it on your New Year’s to-do list and sign up to experience it for yourself.
My family and I arrived in Detroit on Friday evening, just an hour before the expo closed. The area was bustling with several campaign events, including one at the convention center where packet pick-up was located. The expo was filled with exciting things to explore, including a Tracksmith bus pop-up! I was excited to see Tracksmith at the expo and had a great time checking out all the commemorative pieces available. Another highlight of the expo was the Detroit Dog Rescue, Detroit’s first no-kill shelter. Stay tuned for more on the Detroit Dog Expo as I cover the 5K and one-miler!
The race series includes competitive 1-mile and 5K races on Saturday and an international full marathon, domestic half marathon, and marathon relay on Sunday. There are also various challenge events that many Chicago runners enjoy. I participated in the Supreme Challenge, which involved running the 1-mile, 5K, and international full marathon. Challenge participants receive special swag each year, like the eye-catching windbreaker we received this year.
I spent about an hour at the expo, taking my time to connect with local charities and running groups. I particularly enjoyed learning more about We Run 313, a prominent running group in Detroit that provides support for runners along the course at specific locations.
My family and I always stay at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Detroit Downtown – Fort Shelby, which I highly recommend for marathon runners. The hotel offers all-suite rooms, providing more space than other hotels. While there is no pool, the hotel features one of the best fitness centers I’ve seen in a city hotel, equipped with cardio and stretching equipment.
The staff at the hotel is friendly and accommodating, and there is a café in the lobby where runners can grab healthy snacks like Greek yogurt, fruit, and Starbucks coffee. The hotel also provides special goody bags with water and hydration packets for runners, making them feel extra special. Parking is available offsite and comes at an additional cost, so be prepared for that.
The hotel’s proximity to the start line, just a block away, allows for easy access on race day. This was particularly helpful for me as it was a quick walk to the starting line in case of inclement weather. Luckily, the weather during the weekend was perfect with temperatures in the 50s and 60s and clear skies.
We checked into the hotel on Friday evening and I went to bed early due to the time zone difference. The Saturday races started later in the morning, and it was exciting to have my son participate in the events with me for the first time.
After the races on Saturday, we had a chance to visit the unique Henry Ford’s Hallowe’en in Greenfield Village, a must-see outdoor October celebration in Michigan. This event is a longstanding Halloween tradition that families enjoy year after year.
A national historic landmark, Greenfield Village is part of the Henry Ford estate and offers a historical collection of the Ford legacy. During the Halloween season, the village transforms into a spooky yet family-friendly experience that keeps everyone entertained.
Following our visit to Greenfield Village, it was time for a quick dinner and rest before the main event – the marathon on Sunday morning. The Detroit Marathon route takes runners through various neighborhoods, offering cheers and support from the community along the way.
The finish line is a festive celebration in Cadillac Square, providing runners with a sense of accomplishment as they collect their medals and goodies. After the race, it’s a short walk back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest before heading back home.
Overall, the Detroit Marathon weekend is a memorable experience that I highly recommend to runners looking for a well-organized race with a supportive community atmosphere. I look forward to returning to Detroit in 2025 for another incredible marathon weekend!
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