There are literally thousands of tasks involved in putting on a marathon. Last week, I carried a binder with eight sections of notes detailing everything required on the course race weekend. The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon is blessed with an experienced staff of people to help coordinate all these assignments. 

The new mile markers stood out as a shiny symbol of the professionalism of the organizers. Other new signs helped runners get information they needed or sent them in the right direction.  Newcomers will especially notice the great print work of FastSigns when they get their photo proofs displaying a brand new "Marathon Finish" banner.

Ford Motor Company was gracious in supplying bright colored cars to lead the hand cyclists, wheelers, first runner and relay team. For the first time a bike accommodated the lead woman. BikeSport's Tom Demerly built a specially designed rack with a sign to let spectators know that she was coming through.

Entertainment director, Dave Shelby was creative in putting some fun and interesting music on the course. The mariachi band in Mexican town got things started. Trumpeters called to runners as they entered and exited Belle Isle.  Punk band, Half the Battle encouraged people after the halfway point to charge on. A kettledrum band livened up Lafayette and Greektown's band pushed runners through the last mile.  Harmony, two young singers from Detroit, performed before and after the race to a pumped up crowd.

New Fluid Station coordinator Gary Lake delivered more than 4,000 gallons of water and Gatorade out to 32 locations, including the relay exchanges.  Without Dennis Handley's attention to details and relay exchange set ups there wouldn't be a record 650 relay teams competing. The Relay competition was fierce this year.  Almost every category set national records.

Spirit Station coordinator Katherine Petryszak kept tabs on the 16 stations that were integrated into the course at key spots designed to give runners a lift.  She also ran the marathon herself with a friend.

Course logistics are no simple task. For the most part, it may look effortless to the average runner. Without Joe Cimino placing the course marshals, race director Patricia Ball meeting in advance with all the churches and Detroit's Tactical Operations closing down the roads, yet helping motorists pass though, it would be a very unsafe environment.  Add to this, Windsor counterparts like course director Dave Campbell, making sure the Canadian Port-a-johns are in the right place and duplicating U.S. logistic efforts.

Start and finish areas have another set of binders to accommodate the efficient departure and arrival of 6,600 participants plus thousands of spectators and volunteers.  Kevin Stahl, Bob Smith and Dewey Ames are to be congratulated for their efforts at Comerica Park and Ford Field.  It was an extraordinary experience for runners, family, friends and all those who helped make the event something to be proud of.

Coming up:

Oct. 18 Dexter to Chelsea 10k/5k, 8:30am, Call Julie Wagner 734 433-9338

Oct. 25 Great Turtle Race 13.1m, 5.7m, 11:30am, Call John Gualt 810 659-6493