Oct 25, 2008 Free Press Flagstar Marathon Course Changes for 2008 By Doug Kurtis :: Views- 258

Part of the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Marathon’s success has been its course. Due to construction, 9/11, adding the half marathon and a steady growth in participation, the course has changed every year for the last ten years. This year is no exception.

With more of the River Walk completed, mile 15 will now incorporate the walk’s portion behind the UAW/GM Human Resources building. Due to construction on the Fisher Freeway service drive, Mexican Town is currently not an option. Runners will skirt past Greektown this year too.

Last year a new finish line was established in the Campus Martius area. Spectators missed the bleacher seats but runners didn’t miss the downhill run into Ford Field or the steps walking out.

Few courses around the country are fortunate enough to retain an established course. At the same time, new routes create a new experience. The Free Press Marathon continues to showcase some of the best parts of Detroit.

Local runners can improve their experience by doing a few training runs on sections of the course. Knowing a little bit of what to expect, especially the course, can help runners relax and visualize what they want to accomplish. At a minimum, drive the last six miles of the course to become familiar with it.

The start: On Washington Avenue, the dual start with timing corrals based on predicted times enable a smooth take off. Marathoners start on the west side of the boulevard. Relay teams, half marathon runners and walkers are on the eastside.

The Ambassador Bridge: With Mexican Town out, runners will use Rosa Parks and Fort Street for the most direct line to the bridge. It’s the steepest hill in the course but it comes early in the race. Runners comment that the sunrise and skyline view is one of their favorite memories.

Windsor: Riverside drive offers a serene view of Detroit’s skyline. It also provides a close up of downtown Windsor’s wonderful sculpture gardens.

The Detroit Windsor Tunnel: This section makes the course unique. No other marathon course in North America crosses an international border twice. Inside the tunnel you will start to get warm. Don’t throw away those hat and gloves just yet. It may get cold on the way out.

The underwater mile: Timing mats record your mile time through the tunnel and it will appear on race certificates. The welcome back crowd outside the tunnel will give runners a boost.

Cobo Center: It has a flashy front and another great riverfront view on its backside. The entertainment and spirit stations on the U.S. side begin here.

Sixth Street Bridge: It’s the last real hill on the course.

Corktown: On the way out, what is left of old Tiger Stadium still looms large. On the way back runners get a view of Cortown’s eclectic neighborhoods.

Michigan Avenue: Many runners are focused on the half marathon split at this point. A few head turns and they might catch a glimpse of MGM’s grand menagerie on Third Street.

The Renaissance Center: Heading west on Franklin Street at mile 14 offers a towering view of one of Detroit unique land marks.

Atwater: It has fresh new blacktop and some new views. It will look even better when the condos go up and the River Walk is finished. The billowing canopies of Chene Park are a reminder of the marathon finish in 2000.

Belle Isle Park: The MacArthur Bridge is a perfect spot for runners to cheer each other on, both coming and going. The island is bigger than New York’s Central Park but luckily for the runners it doesn’t have their hills nor does is spend as much distance in this quiet atmosphere.

Indian Villagers: This is where you remember that fall has arrived. Trees almost hug the runners as they run past the stately homes. Residents look forward to helping runners toward their goals.

The Lafayette stretch: Unofficially it’s spirit station row. It can be a long 3 mile miles for runners who haven’t done their homework or an uplifting experience for those qualifying for Boston or setting personal bests.

Campus Martius and Compuware: This is the second year for the marathon’s newest finish line. Runners liked the outdoor finish just north of Campus Martius Park. Racing down Woodward has a special quality. It’s also the finish line for the Thanksgiving Day Parade.

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