Detroit Free Press Marathon Sells Out Two Main Races in Record Time

The Detroit Free Press Marathon announced on Jan. 9 that both the marathon and international half marathon sold out within a week. Registration opened Jan. 1. The two races filled faster than ever before, marking the third consecutive year that this event has sold out.

The 2025 race sold out in March. The 2024 event reached capacity three months before race day. Before 2024, no race in the event's history had sold out. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Oct. 18 and expects around 30,000 registrants across the weekend compared to 26,000 in 2025, as per the Detroit Free Press.

"The sellouts arrived even earlier than we could have imagined," said Aaron Velthoven, the race director, as per Detroit Free Press.

Combined registration for Sunday's main races will hit about 23,000 runners, up from 20,000 last year. Runners start in Detroit, cross the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Ontario, then return through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.

"The increased interest is just more proof that the marathon has become a signature event on Detroit's sporting calendar — and a can't-miss event for the global running community, which comes to our region to run a one-of-a-kind international race," said Velthoven, according to the Detroit Free Press.

USA Today readers named it the best marathon in the country in 2025. Last year's race brought in $39 million in economic impact, a 30% increase over the previous year, as reported by Click On Detroit.

The race has added improvements in recent years. A new course debuted in 2022. An elite field competed in 2024. The event also gives free shoes, race entries, and other support to Detroit Public Schools students.

Spots remain open for the Motor City Half Marathon and Marathon Team Relay on Oct. 18. All Saturday events on Oct. 17 still have availability, including the 5K and kids races. A waitlist for the sold-out races will open on Jan. 14 at noon EST, with a $5 fee that will count toward registration if a spot opens.