Freep Marathon 8 Weeks Away
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon and New Balance Half Marathon is just 8 ½ weeks away. It's not too early to map out your plans and focus preparations for an extraordinary weekend. This Friday is the next deadline for early entry. If you sign up now you'll save $10 on the registration fee.   That's $50 if you're signing up a relay team.

On-line registration is available at www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com or you can pick up an application at any running specialty shop in Michigan. Registration is up more than 10 percent from last year.   All events are open with no limit on the number of entries.

Now is the time to think about running for a reason.   It will add another boost to your efforts on race day. The Detroit Free Press is partnering with seventeen different charities this year. There is no reason not to find a reason to support one of these local organizations.

Don't get shut out of a room at the host hotel, the Marriott Detroit Renaissance Center, or one of the many hotels situated within walking distance to the start and finish lines as well as the weekend expo. Baseball fans are already reserving rooms due to the possibility of a Tiger World Series.

With over 100 exhibitors, the Whole Foods Market Health and Fitness Expo is one of the best organized in the country. Runners can find some bargains after picking up their chip timing device, bib number and performance wicking long-sleeve shirt from New Balance.

Municipal and surface street parking should be plentiful for the events.   With the starting line on Washington Avenue it should be less congested around Comerica Park and Ford Field.   Another option would be to park near a people mover terminal. They are located near the start, finish and hotels. Cost is just fifty cents.

A reminder that the race is starting 20 minutes earlier this year at 7:15 am. With daylight savings taking effect the night before, it will seem later.

Good news for the wheelers and hand cyclists. The Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America and Fusion Medical are the new title sponsors of the disabilities division. Both groups will start 5 minutes ahead of the runners and walkers.

Walkers who are worried about making it the Detroit Windsor Tunnel on time have a lot more wiggle room.   In addition to the earlier start time, the tunnel entrance is 7.4 miles from the start mats compared to almost 8 miles in 2005 and will remain open longer (until 9:45 am).

Participants will move past the timing mats quicker with a dual starting line and corrals based on projected time. Pace groups, including a last place pacer will also support runners during the race. Marathoners must complete the race in 6 hours 30 minutes.

With a minimum of 26 entertainment stations on the course their will be plenty of inspiration. Another 30 plus spirit stations will fill in the gaps between fluid stations each mile.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226