International racecourse announced for 25th annual marathon

August 12, 2002

Detroit, Michigan -- The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon will again be run across international borders. The announcement was made today by Heath Meriwether, Publisher of the Detroit Free Press. The Marathon, scheduled to be run on Sunday, October 6, 2002, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The official racecourse for the 26.2-mile event was also released today. The course incorporates both the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, allowing participants to cross borders for the twenty-third time in the race's twenty-five year history. As announced earlier, the race will finish inside Ford Field, new home for the Detroit Lions.

"This is not only a historic event in the life of this marathon but also for the two countries and for the cities of Detroit and Windsor." said Meriwether, "After the events of September 11th, having this racecourse cross our international borders with Canada, not once but twice during the event, is symbolic of both countries' commitment to free and open borders and the economic and cultural partnership between the cities of Detroit and Windsor."

Last year's marathon was originally scheduled to run this course but was changed to an all Detroit course due to border security concerns following the September 11th terrorist attacks.

"The city of Detroit is happy to be a part of the 25th Annual Free Press Marathon. We celebrate our friendship with Canada - and open borders - even in times like this." Said Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.

"The return of the Marathon to its international roots, using both the Bridge and Tunnel between Detroit and Windsor, is a sign to the world that nothing can lessen the warm friendship between our two cities and nations," said Mayor Michael D. Hurst of Windsor. "The City of Windsor welcomes the quick return of the Marathon to its cross border traditions and we're confident in yet another enjoyable and successful run."

"The Michigan INS office is proud to open its arms in support of the 25th Anniversary Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon. INS stand committed to border security, community partnership, health and safety and traffic management," stated Carol Jenifer, District Director for U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Services.

Race organizers have been working for several months with community and civic leaders and various government organizations to plan this year's international racecourse.

"The process of making this race international once again has been a tremendous joint effort between the two countries. Those in leadership positions in the cities of Detroit and Windsor and other organizations involved, such as the Ambassador Bridge, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the U.S. and Canadian offices of Immigration and Naturalization Services and Customs, really turned this into reality," said marathon race director Patricia Ball. "It took an extraordinary effort on everyone's part to make this happen again in 2002."

Race organizers expect this international course, along with the finish inside the soon-to-be opened Ford Field, will attract thousands of runners from all over the United States and Canada to participate in the 25th anniversary running of the event. This marathon will be one of only three road races that will cross U.S. and Canadian borders in 2002. The other two races will utilize the Blue Water Bridge in Port Huron, Michigan and the Freedom Bridge in Niagara Falls, New York.

"The U.S. and Canada, through the cities and communities of Detroit and Windsor have enjoyed an international partnership for years, not only for this marathon but also in trade, commerce and tourism." Said Gary Burkart, Vice President/National Advertising for Flagstar Bank, title sponsor. "This course is meant to not only showcase the two countries' beautiful riverfronts but also encourage citizens in both communities to take advantage of what the other city has to offer in shopping, restaurants and entertainment options."

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The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon, presented by Greektown Casino is an annual 26.2-mile road race, certified each year by the U.S. Track and Field Association. The Marathon is owned by the Detroit Free Press. Flagstar Bank is the title sponsor and has been affiliated with the race since 1998. The race is a sanctioned qualifying race for entry into the Boston Marathon. The 2002 event marks the Marathon's 25th anniversary and is expected to attract over 5,000 participants. The Marathon features five race divisions: marathon (26.2 miles), Wright & Filippis Wheelchair Competition (26.2 miles), Competitive Race Walking (26.2 miles), Reebok Team Relays (2-person and 5-person teams) and a Compuware 5k Fun Run and Fitness Walk (3.2 miles). Prize money is awarded in each of these divisions (with the exception of the 5K run) and totals over $28,000. In conjunction with the Marathon, both the Whole Foods Market Health & Fitness Expo, on Friday and Saturday, October 4 - 5, 2002 and the annual Pasta Dinner, on Saturday evening, October 5, 2002 will be held at Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit.

For more information, contact Patricia Kelly at 313-222-5987; e-mail at [email protected] or visit our website at www.freep.com/marathon. 25th annual Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon, presented by Greektown Casino: An Extraordinary Experience for the Ordinary Person.

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