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☰
Detroit International Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Detroit International Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.5 
Organization 4.2 
Spectators 4.1
Number of comments: 406 [displaying comments 31 to 41]
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J. G. from Pittsburgh, PA
(10/21/2013)
"Good Race, Could be Great" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This was my first time in Detroit and it was a positive experience. I've run Chicago and Pittsburgh (twice) so I have high standards. Expo (4/5): The layout could have been improved as it was pretty congested during peak times, but there was a nice assortment of local running shops, marathon booths, sponsors, and samples. Gear Check (2/5): Need a better place to stage this. It turned into a bottleneck with everyone trying to cram into such a small area. It was fenced in so at least the the gear was safe. Course (3.5/5): The course is flat for the most part so it has the potential to be fast. The highlights are the Ambassador Bridge, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and Belle Isle. The best part was after mile 8 when you emerge from the tunnel having an announcer calling you out by name and having both sides of the street lined with spectators. Miles 14-19 are pretty uneventful as there is very little support through this stretch. The spectators that did come out were very supportive, but they were few and far between. Fluid stations were well manned, but some signage would have helped on the approach. The course does run past some abandoned buildings, but there is a very visible police presence so I always felt safe. Finish (3.5/5): Water, chips, fruit, and protein bar samples, but no bagels, Gatorade or free beer. Also there were only two photographers for official finisher pictures which lead to long lines on tired legs. The medal is fantastic and very unique to Detroit. I can't imagine the logistics in closing down two international border crossings. This marathon really could be a top tiered race if more resources were put into developing runner support on the second 1/2. More sponsors and teaming up with more charities could really give this race a boost. Overall, I would recommend this race to anyone looking to cross Michigan off of their list or if you've never been to Detroit. I would do it again myself, but not any time in the near future as I want to check out some other cities. | |
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Andrew Chandler from Indiana
(10/21/2013)
"Fabulous experience" (about: 2013)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I was very impressed with this event. Course was fabulous and it was well marked out. Volunteers made it wonderful. Wonderful of them to have us go into Windsor and back and I'm glad that I had to chance to visit. | |
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S. W. from Madison, WI
(7/21/2013)
"What a GREAT Experience!" (about: 2012)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 I absolutely LOVED running this marathon! The course was beautiful, and I especially enjoyed running on the bridge, through the tunnel, into Canada, and through Belle Isle. My iPod shut off after mile 11, but it didn't matter because the crowd support was unbelievable at every mile! The only issue that I had was that when I got to the expo, I was told that I needed to buy a 25 dollar passport holder to put my passport in and it had to stay on me throughout the race. I wasn't used to running with something else on my waist, so that bothered me a little. Be prepared to wait to start the race because it takes awhile to get everyone across the start line. I would definitely run this race again. It was well worth it! | |
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D. S. from Indiana
(1/20/2013)
"Unique" (about: 2012)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 The border crossing is what got me to sign up. Not to metion, a really cool finisher's medal with a ribbon that incorporates the U.S. and that other country's flag. Going over the bridge right at sunrise is memorable. A great crowd surrounds the entrance to the tunnel in Windsor, and a huge, enthusiastic crowd welcomes you back to America at the exit of the tunnel. Dress warm, it was a little cool and windy this year. If you wear 'throw away clothes' do NOT get rid of them too early. Belle Isle (mile 20) is wide open and can be very windy and cold. Expo isn't huge, but working through the traffic to get to the packet pickup is difficult. The best part of the expo was about 100 people surrounding a TV to watch the Michigan-Michigan State game. | |
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T. A. from Battle Creek, Michigan
(12/20/2012)
"Well run race event" (about: 2012)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The first half of this marathon is a rush. Two border crossings, and a lot of adrenaline. Like most marathons, be ready for the back half. Belle Isle is pretty, but not while dying. Ha. I BQ'ed, so not complaining. Great event. | |
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E. B. from Clinton Twp, MI
(11/1/2012)
"super fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!" (about: 2012)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 It was my first marathon and more than anything I really enjoyed the cool temperature; the weather was just perfect for me 'Thank GOD' and most of all I now know the true meaning of 'hitting the wall' because I experienced it for the first time at mile 20. WOW is all I can say and I had to give myself a pat on the back for being a new member of the '1%' group of human beings to complete a marathon. | |
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D. W. from Ottawa Canada
(10/29/2012)
"Disappointed" (about: 2012)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I drove 10 hours for this race and I spent at least and hour and a half waiting for tolls and customs too. I expected more from this race and was disappointed. Energy of race was great, but was disappointed with the course and the spectators. Had to walk through the entire expo to pick up my bib and Shirt? First half of course was uphill and spent on asphalt and bridges. Spectators were sprinkled along the course, but were not as visible as I thought they would be. On a positive note - I would like to acknowledge the race organizers for their choice of medals. The finisher medal was spectacular (a work of art that symbolized the city and the race.) The race shirt was also nice and I felt that it was worth wearing again. The energy was positive, but the town and the race were a bit depressing. I would not run this race again. | |
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D. R. from Cincinnati, OH
(10/24/2012)
"Must do marathon!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I strongly recommend running this marathon. Course was awesome, organization was great and the fan support was excellent in both the US and Canada. Spacing of corral starts was well done...I never felt crowded. The medal and shirt are among my favorite. I stayed at the Ren Center and used the People Mover over the weekend...very convenient. | |
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C. S. from Southern California
(10/23/2012)
"AWSOME Race!!" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 WOW!~ Top notch from start to finish! Expo amazing,great pasta dinner at the church, start and finish were electric, on time start, awsome long sleeve tech Ts (black!), water and gatoraide both sides of street every 1.5miles, course spectacular, incredible feeling running into another country being welcomed to Canada, enthusiastic fans, super food spread after race, unique and amazing medal , hotel .1 from start and finish. Weather was perfect today, I qualified for boston. This was my 44th marathon: been to NYC and Boston. Detroit on line with these races: a for sure MUST DO in the MOTORCITY! Great job! | |
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J. C. from Alabama
(10/23/2012)
"A great race for the 50 State Club" (about: 2012)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Detroit International Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 I chose this one because of the opportunity to run in Canada. I am so glad I did. The organization did a wonderful job. Course was well laid out. Plenty of water stations. Expo was pretty good. My only 'gripe' would be that we were told that we needed to carry our passport with us, even though we had been cleared by customs already. Not a good feeling to have to run with a passport for 26.2 miles. Course had two small hills within the last 1/2 mile, and some decent inclines when crossing the bridges, but other than that, was relatively flat. Parking downtown was easy to find. I stayed in Windsor, Canada and had no problem getting to the race on race day. I actually gave myself too much time. All in all, this race is a must do. |
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