The Freep is a really nice race. The course is interesting, not too tough, but not completely flat either. The portions on the Canadian side are very scenic. The Detroit side isn't too bad either. There are some bleak areas, but on the whole, it's quite nice. The start is by Comerica Park, and the finish is inside Ford Field, which is interesting.

It's a smaller race, so logistics are easier. Not too hard to find parking nearby, etc. It's not too crowded on the course either, which is good and bad, it can be a bit lonely out there.

There is decent crowed support, but nothing like the larger marathons.

I know of at least one of my friends that is doing the race so I will be thre to cheer you on. I've never done it myself, and don't knwo what the course looks like this year, but I woudl agree that there are sme coll areas and some that will make you run faster to get away from!

---

This is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. - Fight Club
Industry Brat.

I did this race last year at the last minute. Pleasantly surprised by the course, the scenery, the support and the organization. Parking was a snap. Don't forget the under water mile!

Is the MCM actually coralling by bib numbers this year? It's not like they ever policed 'em before, so I'm guessing with 30,000 instead of 15,000 the task will be ever so much easier!

I am considering doing this, I have the base built up for it. I just have to maintain for a month or so.

---

Jim

**Note above poster works for a retailer selling bikes and related gear*

The MCM is using a two wave start with different colored bibs. The first 11,999 numbers are in wave one and the last 18,000 numbers are in wave two. I don't think wave 2 helps my effort to BQ. It starts 30 minutes later which means finishing close to noon. Given the possible weather issues at MCM, starting later is not too attractive to me.

I'm considering it too. I've done the race years ago. Was nice. Now, we have to cross the Ambassador Bridge. Ain't easy for me. In my car, I usually cross any bridge on the left lane, as fast as I can. Too much stress/anxiety.. Last fall, I did the New York marathon. Was ok, but the section on the Verrazano Narrows bridge.. once in a lifetime is enough. I'll think about it though. I may stand at the beginning of the bridge and pay someone to hold my hands when we cross the bridge.. Who knows.. Any volunteers??

---

Tough times don't last, tough people do ;-)
Francois.

I've run Detroit a few times and am running the half there this year as part of building up to run the Philly marathon. It's generally a well run race, with aid stops every mile and a very flat course, with the exception of crossing the Ambassador Bridge going into Canada and running through the tunnel under the Detroit River on the way back. I think the course is a lot flatter than Philly. Because it's a lot smaller race, you have less fewer problems being jammed up in the crowd. Downside is that it can be desolate on a few places out on the course because the crowds are very small and that it can be fairly cold in late October in Michigan.

If your goal is to run a PR, it's a good race for doing so because of the small number of runners, the flatness of the course and the generally good quality of race support.

Hi vscusack,

The FlagStar Bank Detroit Marathon (not the Free Press marathon anymore) is a fine race in my opinion. I am the bicycle escort for the lead female each year, and provide security and directional assistance to the top woman runner throughout the race.

Flagstar is a sprawling urban event with a rich legacy. It is an international event, transcending security concerns by crossing the breathtaking Ambassador Bridge to Windsor, Canada, running through a beautiful park in Canada with a fine view of Detroit's skyline and then transiting the underground tunnel back to the U.S. to emerge at one of Michigan's most vibrant intersections in the downtown area next the Ren Cen/GM Headquarters across form the Mariner's Church.

It is a fun event that even crosses the bridge where Houdini performed his last stunt, the Belle Isle Bridge.

Hope to see you there!

---

Tom Demerly
The Tri Shop.com

Thanks to everyone that has responded. I'm pretty sure that Detroit will be my fall marathon based on the opinions here and other places. Thanks.



Tom-

How far is your store from Downtown? I'd like to see the famous Bikesport if I'm gonna be close.



Sean

I did it last year as my first marathon and I'm doing it again this year.

It's a big enough race where you are running with people all along the way, but never so many that you are crowded. Many spectators - You cross the bridge over the Detroit river into Canada and the crowds are lining the streets- music blaring- it is awesome foresure... then back intot the US through the tunnel (lined with customs agents to make sure no one "sneaks" in the country) and when you exit that tunnel into the US there are MASSIVE crowds, live bands.. its really something else. Total positive experience. Do the race - you won't be dissapointed. Plus its a great course for a PR. Cool weather, flat.

---

http://j-motrilife.blogspot.com/