🇺🇸Detroit, USA
Detroit Free Press International Marathon
Oct 18, 2026
Distance
42.2 km
Elevation gain
85 m
Terrain
Road
Entry type
Open entry
PB potential
Good conditions for a solid performance
Beginner friendly
Suitable for beginners with solid training
About this race
The Detroit Free Press International Marathon is unique in American running: it crosses the US-Canada international border twice. Runners head out over the Ambassador Bridge (the busiest international land crossing in North America) into Windsor, Ontario, then return through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel beneath the Detroit River — the world's only marathon route through an underwater international border crossing. The 85m of elevation is gentle; the course is genuinely flat. Detroit's Riverfront, Greektown, and Corktown neighbourhoods provide the cultural colour. October conditions of 8–16°C are solid. Passport requirements mean registration is strictly managed; this race has a loyal field of runners from both countries.
Typical race-day weather
Temperature
7–16°C
Humidity
55–70%
Conditions
Great Lakes October — cool and variable, possible rain
Wind
10–20 km/h Lake Erie breeze
Qualifies for
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