General | May 26, 2026 | 13:35
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, runners, supporters, and Detroit sports fans filled the streets of downtown Detroit to participate in this year's annual 'I Ran the D' 5K.
In its eighth year and building off last year's race that featured more than 5,500 people, the 2026 iteration was an official sellout with more than 7,500 registrants.
Benefiting the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC), the annual race began at Comerica Park, traversed its way through the historic streets of Brush Park, past Ford Field, and finished back at Comerica Park. Runners were then treated to a one-of-a-kind experience to take a victory lap inside the ballpark around the outfield wall.
The 7,500 registrants received a unique race experience through downtown Detroit, a custom hooded long-sleeve running shirt with all four Detroit pro sports teams, a custom bib, and a finisher medal.
Participants of all ages took part, from the youngest racer at just two years old to the oldest at 88. As they took their final steps across the finish line, every participant had their chance to feel like a winner. The top male runner finished in first place at 16:22, while the top female runner came in at 19:09, placing 16th overall. Over 1,100 runners finished under the 30-minute mark, and nearly 5,700 earned a time under 60 minutes.
While the race celebrates Detroit's deep-rooted sports culture; promotes health and wellness in the community; and supports women in sports; the 'I Ran the D' 5K was more than just a race – it was a platform that created lasting memories for everyone in attendance. Special appearances from celebrity starters and mascots such as Paws from the Detroit Tigers, Roary from the Detroit Lions, and Hooper from the Detroit Pistons, cheered participants on and enhanced race-day excitement for the crowd.
Making a stop at the race was the 2027 NCAA® Men's Final Four® Fan Jam, a mobile marketing experience where spectators could practice their jump shots, view the 2027 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship Trophy, and learn all about the upcoming Final Four at Ford Field. Race registrants lined up to take a shot at showing off their basketball skills, take photos with the trophy, and sign up for a chance to win two passes to the Final Four.
After the race, participants were greeted with flowers from Ashley's Flowers, a local Metro Detroit floral store, which gifted 5,000 carnations for runners and spectators to gift the mothers in their lives for Mother's Day.
For the second straight year, the race benefits the Detroit Sports Commission, with proceeds from the race funding the DSC's Living Legacy Initiative. These funds will be directed towards programs that address the youth literacy gap in Detroit, foster the need for active play, as well as expanding access and pathways for girls in sports. The Living Legacy Initiative has invested more than $1.7 million into local programs across Detroit and the region.
In its 25th year, 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.
'I Ran the D' is a 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, 2028 NCAA Big Ten Women's Basketball Tournament, 2029 U.S. Women's Amateur, 2031 U.S. Women's Open, and 2034 U.S. Open.
