The 2004 Marathon course
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

It's not surprising that the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon will have a record number of participants this year.   There are few courses in the country that offer spectacular views of two cities, diverse cultural neighborhoods, an island and a multitude of major landmarks.

This year's course promises to be the best ever. By working with the Detroit Tactical Operations and City Engineering Departments a new course was derived that will offer runners the opportunity to see many of Detroit's visual highlights.

The start, which has moved to Adams Street on the south side of Comerica Park, is much wider and has greater room for spectators.   It will also eliminate parking congestion and provide improved relay team pick up.

Once the show gets on the road, runners should enjoy entertainment in Mexican Town, a panorama of the Detroit River from the Ambassador Bridge and outdoor art sculpture on Windsor's bike path before reaching the Detroit Windsor Tunnel.   Mats will be placed on each side of the tunnel to record runner's underwater mile times that will appear on their certificates.

Runners will see a new look once they arrive back in the states.   A quick left will take them past the "Transcending" sculpture, which honors Detroit's labor movement.   A U turn in front of Cobo Center surveys Detroit's new riverfront promenade that will eventually stretch all the way to Belle Isle.

A new skyline will eventually replace the view of the Free Press printing plant on Jefferson but is shouldn't eliminate another look at the Ambassador Bridge.   After Rosa Parks the course loops back on itself to showcase the Fox Theatre district, Comerica Park, the Detroit Athletic Club and Music Hall.

The double back creates the opportunity to establish a half marathon, something the runners had been suggesting for a number of years. Half marathon registration just closed at 2,600 participants.

Spectators will be able to stay in one place and watch the start, finish and half way point of the marathon as well as the finish of the 5km, half marathon and Team Relays.

A few marathoners might be tempted to follow the half marathoners to the finish line but they will need to muster up some courage.   It will be time to take on the bigger challenge and bask in the glory of achieving their commitment. I'm sure none of the marathoners want to go home to put a DNF in their logs books.

Plus there is some exciting scenery still on the agenda.   Chene Park billowy sails and the enormous new GM/UAW human resources building on Wight Street are dramatic.

Belle Isle provides another view of both Detroit and Windsor riverfronts. Runners will be relieved to turn at the Conservatory this year. Unfortunately the six and half hour time limit won't afford time to check out the marvelous horticulture building.

The Indian Village section was left intact so runners could rekindle their rendezvous in front of stately homes and manicured lawns.   Residents come out in full force to motivate the "greenies" as well as seasoned veterans.

Lafayette Avenue, Greektown and the Theatre District make up the final stretch and will be remembered for its landmark buildings long after runners reach the grand finale on Ford's fabulous Field.

Course information from Marathon website.