Community
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Putting on a road race requires involvement from within the community it impacts.   Success is impossible without it.   Since its inception in 1978, the Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank marathon has been conscious of the generous support organizations lend.

Producing a marathon has changed significantly. When the New York City Marathon changed its course in 1976 from loops within Central Park to its current five borough extravaganza other cities followed.   This historical triumph forced city services to become more involved and also created more recognition for road racing.   Some communities like Boston and New York embrace their marathon while other cities seem clueless that something extraordinary is taking place within their midst.  

Detroit's marathon has become the fastest growing marathon in the U.S. over the last five years. Runners are paying attention and so are charities, sponsors and local government administrations.   The Free Press realized that it had to create more exposure for the event.   Advertising for the marathon and its auxiliary races is at an all time high.

Word of mouth is the best and cheapest form of promotion.   It comes from having a good product to sell.   Detroit's international course includes Windsor and showcases many of the areas that make both cities intriguing.

People want to be part of something exciting.   Participation took off after the Free Press Marathon included the Ford Field finish and added a half marathon.   When 10,000 runners show up everybody notices.    Five years ago only one charity was tied to the event.   This year more than fourteen non-profit organizations have affiliated themselves with the marathon.    It's a win/win situation for everyone. These organizations benefit from increased exposure and donations received from runners.   The event benefits from enabling runners to run for a reason and also from the volunteer base the charities provide.

Road races can't function without volunteers.   Marathons are especially cognizant of what volunteers bring to the event. Twenty-six miles of course marshals, fluid stations attendants, entertainers, spirit cheerleaders, radio communication, medical staff and a host of people to operate the start and finish lines require a focused plan to draw volunteers to the city.   Rewards are received in many ways. Runners and organizers acknowledge the generosity of the volunteers.   In return, volunteers see the elation in the runner's faces and understand that they played a part in those emotions and the unique accomplishment.

The community is touched from within and from outside.   Local church services become aware of the disruption to its congregation but some of their parishioners, priests and pastors run the race and report back on the uplifting, often spiritual, experience.   Suburbanites, out of town runners and guests who may not normally venture downtown make wonderful discoveries about the city while witnessing the feats of professional and amateur athletes competing side by side.

City services are impacted by its connection to the event in numerous ways.   Police provide safety by closing off streets and rerouting traffic. City Engineering supervises road construction along the route and prevents any surprises on race day.   Bus routes and municipal parking are mixed into race day plans.

Community businesses provide support through sponsorship, in kind services and operational support.   It sometimes feels like organized chaos but long after the last runner goes home the excitement and emotion lives on in the minds of everyone involved.

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