DETROIT (October 17, 2019) Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer along with more than 26,000 runners from every state including the District of Columbia and over 50 countries will gather in Detroit to take part in the annual Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon race weekend events, October 18-20, 2019. On Saturday morning, October 19, Whitmer will kick off and participate in the 5K event. For background information on the Marathon, click here.
Here is information and a schedule for the weekend’s events and start times:
Friday & Saturday Oct. 18 – 19, 2019
Health and Fitness Expo – On Oct. 18, from 2 – 8 p.m., and Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., the annual Health and Fitness Expo will be held at TCF Center (formerly Cobo Center) Hall A and will feature more than 100 exhibitors, showcasing the latest inrunning footwear, apparel, nutrition, technology and more. The public is welcome to attend. Additionally, this site is where race participants will pick up race packets, purchase official 2019 Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon merchandise, and late registration entries will be accepted for the 1-Mile, Kids Fun Run and the U.S.-Only Half-Marathon events.
Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019:
Competitive 1-Mile – The 1-Mile race is a timed event and kicks off race weekend at 9:00 a.m., offering runners and walkers an opportunity to join in competition during Detroit’s Marathon Weekend. The Competitive 1-Mile course begins at William G. Milliken State Park, has four turns and a straight-away to the finish line.
5K – Michigan’s Governor Gretchen Whitmer will kick off and participate in the 3.1-Mile race which starts Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. The racecourse will take participants along the Detroit Riverwalk, past Milliken State Park/Harbor, Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre and through the historic Rivertown Warehouse District before finishing in front of the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, located at 1801 Atwater Street. More than 3,200 runners are expected to participate.
Meijer Kids Fun Run – Kids ages 4-12 will participate in this 0.85-mile run/walk beginning at 10:30 a.m. The fun-run begins and finishes at Atwater and Orleans Roads, with pre- and post-race activities available for kids of all ages.
Sunday, Oct. 20:
Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon – Beginning at 7:00 a.m., participants will run the course through downtown Detroit and Windsor, crossing the border at the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. Runners will follow the racecourse through the historic neighborhoods of Corktown, Mexicantown, Indian Village, and around beautiful Belle Isle and along the spectacular Detroit RiverWalk, starting and finishing their event at West Fort Street and Cass Avenue.
Disabilities Division – Handcycle and pushrim participants navigate the half or full marathon course beginning at 6:50 a.m.
Marathon Relay Event – Teams of three to five relay runners will cover the entire 26.2-mile distance beginning their relay race at 7:00 a.m. Each relay participant will run designated legs of three to seven miles throughout the Marathon course.
International Half-Marathon – Participants of the International Half-Marathon will begin at 7:00 a.m. and run the first half of the full Marathon course, completing their race at the West Fort Street and Cass Avenue finish line.
U.S.-Only Half-Marathon – Beginning at 10:30 a.m., the U.S.-Only Half-Marathon course start line will begin near the intersection of Cadillac Square and Bates Street, run the back half of the full Marathon course, and finish at the same location as the full and International Half-Marathon runners.
Conquered Afterparty – Participants, friends and family members are invited to celebrate their accomplishments from 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the official Marathon afterparty located at the corner of 3rd and Fort Streets (note new location). The eventfeatures live entertainment from the award winning cover band Collision Six; a chance to win over $5,000 in prizes including free 2020 race registrations; local food truck favorites Mac Shack and El Guapo will be there to satisfy post-race cravings; cold beer will be available for a nominal price (all proceeds are donated to Michigan Humane Society); and family fun including games and more.
About the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon:
The Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon is Michigan’s largest road race and the only race to cross international borders twice. From the new runner to the more seasoned marathoner, there is a race for everyone. Participants can join the Competitive 1-Mile, 5K or Meijer Kids Fun Run on Saturday, October 19, or the Full Marathon, International Half-Marathon, U.S.-Only Half-Marathon and Marathon Relay on Sunday, October 20. This year is the 42nd year of the event. Visit us to learn more about the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon.
About Michigan.com:
The Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon is owned and produced by Michigan.com. Michigan.com also produces a number of premier events in Metro Detroit, including the Freep Film Festival, the Wine & Food Experience, Detroit Free Press/Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers Top 10 Takeover, The Detroit News Dish & Design Series, Top Workplaces and The Detroit Free Press High School Sports Awards. Michigan.com also manages the business operations of The Detroit News under the terms of a federal Joint Operating Agreement.
