The two most popular events of the race weekend both sold out in days, while also setting records for total registrations
(DETROIT – Jan. 9, 2026) For the third year in a row, the Detroit Free Press Marathon Presented by MSU Federal Credit Union is setting records.
Today, organizers announced that the two most-popular races — the Marathon and the International-Half Marathon – had sold out. The Marathon sold out within a week of registration opening on Jan. 1, with the International Half-Marathon following a couple days later. The sellouts, which arrived months earlier than the previous record, happened despite significant capacity increases for 2026.
Before 2024, no Free Press Marathon race had sold out. In 2024, the first sellouts began in August. In 2025, sellouts began in March.
The sellouts and increased number of registrations mean that the race weekend will set course capacity records. Last year, the full weekend drew just over 26,000 registrants, and close to 30,000 are expected this year. The Sunday total, which includes the Marathon, International-Half Marathon and Motor City Half-Marathon, will jump from about 20,000 in 2025 to about 23,000.
“The sellouts arrived even earlier than we could have imagined,” said Aaron Velthoven, the marathon’s vice president and race director. “The increased interest is just more proof that the marathon has become a signature event on Detroit’s sporting calendar — and a can’t-miss event for the global running community, which comes to our region to run a one-of-a-kind international race.”
The sellouts are further evidence for a hot streak for the Detroit Free Press Marathon. Highlights from 2025:
· It was named the best marathon in the country by readers of USA Today.
· It set a record for total registered runners.
· It set a record for spurred economic impact: $39 million, which was up 30% from the previous year.
· For the third year in row received a net zero waste designation, the only major event in Detroit’s history to do so.
· It announced it was taking over management of Corktown Races, the beloved event held in conjunction with Detroit’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Other recent improvements include the unveiling of a new course in 2022, the addition of an Elite Field of top runners from around the country in 2024, and the creation in 2024 of a program that provides free shoes, free race registration and other amenities to students from Detroit Public Schools.
While there is clearly demand for additional race slots, Velthoven said it’s important not to grow too much or too quickly, which could affect runner safety or the overall race experience.
“I often tell our staff that we don’t want to be the biggest marathon, we want to be the best marathon,” Velthoven said.
For those who didn’t secure registration in the Marathon or International Half-Marathon, there are several other opportunities to participate in the race weekend, which includes eight individual events over Oct. 16-18.
· Limited openings are available for the Motor City Half Marathon, which happens on Sunday, Oct. 18, but does not cross international borders. A sellout is expected soon.
· Next week, a waitlist will open for the Marathon and International Half-Marathon. More information can be found here.
· Openings remain for the Marathon Team Relay on Oct. 18.
· All races happening on Saturday, Oct. 17, are open. This includes the 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.
Registration for all remaining races can be accessed here.
About the Detroit Free Press Marathon: The Detroit Free Press Marathon Presented by MSU Federal Credit Union, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved tradition among runners across the world. In 2025, it was voted best marathon in the country in USA TODAY’s 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, and also best Marathon in Michigan by RaceRaves. Established in 1978, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has grown into one of the world’s premier running events, famously crossing international borders to showcase the best of the Motor City and Windsor, Canada. With a mission of promoting health, community involvement and world-class competition, the marathon proudly stands as a highlight of Detroit’s annual sporting calendar. This year’s race weekend arrives Oct. 16-18, 2026. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5k, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage Door, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. Beyond the races, the weekend features multiple supporting activities, including an expansive Health and Fitness Expo, a free afterparty in Campus Martius, and volunteer opportunities. For more information, visit www.freepmarathon.com or follow at Facebook and Instagram.