General | October 14, 2026 | 8:59

The Detroit Free Press Marathon is set to return for its 49^th year on Oct. 16-18, bringing thousands of runners, spectators, and supporters back to the streets of Detroit for one of the city's signature fall traditions.

One year before celebrating its 50^th running, the marathon enters this year with more national recognition after being named USA TODAY's "Best Marathon" for the second consecutive year. Voted by USA TODAY 10BEST readers, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has earned praise for its unique international course. The route features the sunrise crossing over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada and an underwater mile through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel as runners return to the United States.

Last year's event reached capacity across all races, with the Marathon, International Half, Motor City Half, and Marathon Relay selling out faster than ever before in event history. More than 26,000 runners, along with tens of thousands of spectators, came to the Motor City to experience the excitement of one of Detroit's annual sporting highlights.

Presented by the Detroit Free Press and MSU Federal Credit Union, the marathon weekend is designed for runners of all experience levels, from experienced marathoners to kids looking to burn off energy. Every October, participants from around the world come to Detroit for a race weekend that showcases the city's energy and international connection.

The weekend begins on Friday with the Kia Health and Fitness Expo inside Huntington Place. Later that evening, participants can take part in the Brooks Shakeout Run, a 2-mile run along the Detroit Riverwalk, before gathering for the Official Warm-Up Party at Campus Martius.

Saturday's schedule includes a 1-mile race, a 5K, a Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and a Meijer Little Detroit Dash. Families can also take part in the Children's Hospital of Michigan Family Fun Day during the day's festivities.

Runners looking for an additional challenge can also sign up to compete in one of four Detroit Challenge Series races, including The Temptation, The Wonder-Motor City, The Wonder-International, and The Supreme.

Sunday begins at 7 a.m. with the sold-out Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, and Adaptive Athletes Division Marathon. The sold-out Motor City Half-Marathon will close out the weekend at 10:30 a.m. through the streets of downtown Detroit. After crossing the finish line, runners and supporters can gather at the Kia Conquered Afterparty to celebrate the weekend's accomplishments.

As the Detroit Free Press Marathon approaches its milestone 50^th year, this year's race weekend offers another chance to celebrate the runners, families, volunteers, and fans who have helped make the event one of Detroit's most recognizable sporting traditions and one of the top marathons in the country.