The 49th annual Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union began on a chilly morning to the sounds of Eminem and bells rung by onlookers, who cheered and held signs of support.
The first wave of participants in the marathon, international half, and marathon relay took off from the starting line at 7 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 18, at downtown Detroit's West Fort Street and 3rd Avenue. Just before that, participants in the Adaptive Athlete Division set off at 6:58 a.m.
This year's marathon route features its traditional international path through Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The course also goes through Detroit neighborhoods including Woodbridge and Indian Village, through Eastern Market and along the Dequindre Cut before ending at Woodward Avenue and Congress Street.
See the Detroit marathon finish line
The sold-out event has drawn 30,000 participants from all 50 U.S. states and 30 countries to the heart of downtown Detroit this weekend. Among Michigan's largest sporting events, the Free Press Marathon is a net zero waste event and in 2025 brought over $48 million in economic impact to the city.
Good luck, athletes!
Follow along with us as we watch thousands cross the finish line by using #freepmarathon on social media.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 49th Detroit Free Press Marathon is under way