After months of logistical work and negotiation, the organizers of the 25^th running of the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon presented by Greektown Casino are proud to give runners one of the finest marathon courses in the country.  It showcases some of the best architecture, finest homes, parks and the smoothest streets of Detroit and Windsor.  Photos of the course could serve as a tourism brochure.  If you are running the marathon, I strongly recommend that you take the time to drive the course so that it will be easier to soak up the views as you run.  Today I give you the textbook tour.

The Start:  Runners will bask in the neon of the Fox Theatre as they wait for the roar of  feet heading south on Witherell.  The start banners will hang next to the giant tiger sculpture at Comerica Park providing one of many great photo ops for family and friends. Parking will be plentiful and the finish line is only one block away. 

Cork Town: On their way to the Ambassador Bridge runners get their first taste of the diversity as they pass through the Detroit's oldest surviving neighborhood. Check out the quaint Victorian homes and Irish Pubs.

Ambassador Bridge:  Named by builder Joseph Bower to "symbolize the visible expression of friendship of two peoples with like ideas and ideals."  It's has a 5% grade rising to 152 feet above the Detroit River offering breathtaking views.

Windsor's Riverfront: At mile 5 you head onto a bike path that includes a sculpture park and waterfall terraces, plus an incredible view of Detroit's skyline.

Detroit Windsor Tunnel: It's been part of the marathon for all but two years of the event. The underwater mile makes the marathon course a one of a kind.  This year runners enter the tunnel earlier with no worries about getting there before it reopens. Screaming fans will also exhilarate then when they reach the open air.

Chene Park: Another little twist in the route. Relay runners will swarm in front Chene's best kept secret. The Park serves as a fine music venue and architectural wonder.  The enormous new GM/UAW human resources building on Wight Street will surprise runners.

Belle Isle: Marathoners and relay runners will spend seven miles on the island enjoying the fountain, ponds and waterfront views of both Canada and the USA. Over a mile traverses through woods where tame deer congregate.  Plenty of spirit stations and "music of Detroit" will help liven up the quiet spots.

Jefferson Avenue: Beautiful historic apartment buildings adorn the avenue. The short turnaround at Emma Henderson Park will offer a live update of what the competition is doing.

Indian Village: Last year homeowners and runners feel in love with each other.  They will rekindle their tryst in front of an additional block of stately homes and manicured lawns.  More than a dozen block captains will get residents out to support and motivate the "greenies" as well as seasoned veterans.

Lafayette Avenue: M.L. King Jr. High's marching band will again appear in front of their school to pump up all who pass by.

Greektown:  Historic St. Mary's Church and the Greektown Casino will catch some eyes and offer runners a taste of one of Detroit�s best tourist spots. 

Theatre District: If runners still have their wits about them, they can glance at the marquees of Music Hall, The Gem, Detroit Athletic Club and the Detroit Opera house, all of which are historical landmark buildings.

Ford Field Finish:  The Tiger Stadium finish was historic but runners and spectators will be awed by the fresh new stadium and luxuriousness of the facilities. Runners will see themselves on the jumb-o-tron as the cross the end zone.  Few marathons can boast of having a venue like this to come home to.