2005 Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank
Marathon Course
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The Detroit Free Press Flagstar Bank Marathon course has one of the most spectacular race routes in the country.   Course improvements over the last six years have been one of the key factors that have sent participation skyrocketing.

This year, several modifications have come about because of the increase in numbers and the completion of road construction.   As course designer and operations director it's my job to give runners a safe yet exciting venue.

The first change runners will notice is the starting lines. Last year's inaugural half marathon caused a back up on Adams Street.   Crossing the timing mats took much longer than anticipated. This year the limitation on field size has been lifted and two starting lines should accommodate the expected increase in runners.   One line will be set up for the marathoners on Adams and another for the half marathoners and relay runners on Madison.

Each group will be separated coming down Woodward Avenue and merge before they turn west onto Michigan Avenue. The out and back on Bagley is gone but not the highlights. By the time runner's feet touch the Ambassador Bridge they will have already passed through two ethnic areas, Corktown and Mexican Town.

The number one comment from runner's viewpoints on marathonguide.com was witnessing the fabulous sunrise on the bridge. The marathon staff continues to work closely with their operations and customs and immigration services to make course logistics appear seamless.

Once runners cross into Windsor they will head north to Riverside Drive. The view will be much the same as last year with a little less art sculpture. The bike path was becoming too narrow so the decision was made to move the course up to the wider drive.

The Detroit and Canada Tunnel Corporation has graciously welcomed runners virtually every year since 1978. Chip timing mats will again be put in place to record times for the only marathon with an underwater mile.

Runners will arrive back in Detroit with a cheering crowd of spectators not far from the "Transcending" sculpture, which honors Detroit's labor movement. Mile ten will have a new wrinkle.   Instead of the long stretch west on Jefferson and up Rosa Parks, runners will now loop up past the Riverfront Apartments onto the Sixth Street Bridge and catch another look at Corktown.

Next up is the Fox Theatre district. The second exchange of the marathon relay has moved to this area, hence eliminating busing while creating an instant cheering section before the runners hit Woodward Avenue again. As runners approach Grand Circus Park they will have several blocks to make sure they are making the correct turn for the half or full marathon.

After the half way mark there is still plenty of exciting scenery on the agenda.   The beautiful new boulevards of Broadway and Monroe plus Campus Martius offer glamorous sites.

Franklin Street is a new addition on the course and it offers up new landscaping as well as a spectacular view of the Renaissance Center. A U turn at St. Antoine is a preview of Detroit's new riverfront promenade that will eventually stretch all the way to Belle Isle.

Dramatic views of Chene Park's billowy sails and the enormous GM/UAW human resources building are still part of the course.

Runners love Belle Isle but they were happy to traverse just half of it last year. After mile twenty-one they will reach the stately homes and manicure lawns of Indian Village. The section will be one block shorter but expect more spirit stations to appear along the two mile stretch of Lafayette Boulevard.

Greektown and the Theatre District make up the final mile while Ford Field will be remembered for the glorious finish and worthy finale for the runner's accomplishment.

2005 Course Map

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