General | January 29, 2026 | 10:56

Runners, walkers, and sports fans will take to the streets of downtown Detroit on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for the 8^th annual 'I Ran the D' 5k benefiting the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC). A mainstay of the Detroit sports community, the annual race celebrates the city's deep-rooted sports culture while supporting programs that strengthen local youth initiatives.
 
Proceeds from the race will once again benefit the Detroit Sports Commission's Living Legacy Initiative, which focuses on advancing youth literacy, promoting active lifestyles for young people, and expanding access and pathways for girls in sports. To date, the Living Legacy Initiative has invested more than $1.7 million into local programs across Detroit and the region.
 
Since its inception in 2001, the Detroit Sports Commission has played a pivotal role in strengthening the region's economy by attracting and hosting hundreds of regional, national, and international sporting events — including the 2024 NFL Draft and the upcoming 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four — while also creating lasting community impact through initiatives like Living Legacy.
 
"For 25 years, the Detroit Sports Commission has helped elevate Detroit's sports profile while demonstrating the powerful role sports can play in strengthening communities," said Marty Dobek, Executive Director of the Detroit Sports Commission. "The leadership and continued support of our board, along with the unwavering partnership of Detroit's professional teams, are foundational to our mission. Their commitment has enabled signature events like 'I Ran the D' to thrive while advancing meaningful community impact across Detroit."
 
The 2026 'I Ran the D' 5K builds on the success of last year's race, which welcomed more than 5,500 participants from 7 countries and 34 states and thousands of spectators, celebrating 3.1 miles of Detroit pride and raising funds to support charitable causes aligned with DSC's mission.
 
'I Ran the D' showcases Detroit as one of the nation's premier sports cities, uniting passionate fans of the Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Pistons alongside runners, families, and community leaders. Mascots and celebrity starters from all four professional teams will once again be on hand to cheer on participants and add to the race-day excitement.
 
The race is part of a broader portfolio of annual events supporting the DSC's mission, including the Detroit Sports Commission Golf Classic and the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic, which has served as Michigan's premier season-opening high school football showcase for more than 20 years. These events complement a growing slate of major national competitions coming to Detroit—including the 2027 NCAA Men's Final Four and 2028 NCAA Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament, as well as the 2029 U.S. Women's Amateur, 2031 U.S. Women's Open, and 2034 U.S. Open all taking place at the historic Oakland Hills Country Club—underscoring the city's continued rise as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.

"Working with the Detroit Sports Commission elevates everything about I Ran the D," said Matt Helbig, Founder and CEO of Big River Race Management. "Together, we're not just producing a race — we're creating an experience that highlights Detroit's energy, resilience, and passion for sport and community."

Participants will weave their way through downtown Detroit landmarks, starting at Comerica Park, winding through the historic streets of Brush Park, and past Ford Field, before finishing back at Comerica Park, offering runners a one-of-a-kind experience to take a victory lap inside the ballpark around the outfield wall.  

To register for 'I Ran the D' visit www.iranthed5k.com.