Course Information

Sunday, October 18, 2009

The route for this year’s marathon is international. While the course is flat and fast, there is a bit of a challenge with a moderate grade at both the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. This is the only marathon course to cross international borders twice.

For more information on the course elevations,

click here.

Runners will start on Washington Blvd. and head west through northwest Detroit to the Ambassador Bridge approach. It is a spectacular run over the bridge into Windsor, Ontario. Runners will then loop north towards the riverfront. Next, they’ll head towards the entrance to the only underwater international mile in the world—the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel run is exhilarating, and thousands of spectators will greet runners on both sides of the water.

Back in the USA, runners will proceed past the old Tiger Stadium and theatre district. Added this year, under the auspices of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a stretch along the glorious RiverWalk. A half loop on Belle Isle, an island within the City, will give runners a beautiful, quiet stretch to focus and prepare for the final 10 km. Leaving Belle Isle, runners will head to Indian Village, a historical neighborhood of stately mansions and tree-lined streets. Runners should prepare for a burst of energy from the block parties that are being planned there. Once through the Village, the runners will head west, through historic Greek Town, towards the finish at Campus Martius with the Hard Rock Café and Compuware.

Course features:

International course crossing US/Canadian border at two points
Dual start with line-up corrals (line up based on anticipated finishing time)
Ambassador Bridge
Detroit-Windsor Tunnel - only underwater international mile in the world
RiverWalk
Belle Isle
Historic neighborhoods
GU Station
Plenty of support and volunteers
Entertainment on the course
Numerous Port-A-Johns
Boston qualifier
USATF certified