DETROIT, MI – April 2,2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSUFCU has been named Best Marathon in the United States by USA TODAY as part of the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
The recognition highlights Detroit’s unique race experience as a go-to destination for runners worldwide as well as the impact the race has had on the local community through sustainability efforts and youth programming. This is the first time since the USA TODAY 10Best Marathons began that this race has been awarded first place by readers.
Praised by voters for strong community engagement and the scenic international route, the Detroit Free Press Marathon showcases the Motor City’s iconic neighborhoods, with the unique opportunity for runners to cross into neighboring Windsor, Ontario, Canada via the Ambassador Bridge, returning to Detroit through the Detroit/Windsor Tunnel, the only International Under Water Mile on a marathon course. Last year, the race welcomed an elite field for the first time ever, showcasing a competitive field of North American long-distance athletes who delivered a faster, exciting finish to last year’s marathon.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon furthered its commitment to sustainable footprint in the city, operating as a Net Zero Waste event for the second year in a row, the first major event in Detroit to do so.
In continuing to foster a deep connection with the Detroit community, in 2024 the race launched a Kids Marathon program with the Detroit Public Schools Community District, providing students from 5 DPSCD schools with running shoes, a comprehensive training program, and the opportunity to experience their first race during Marathon Race Weekend.
“We are thrilled to be recognized by readers and runners alike who help make our international marathon the pride of the Motor City,” said Aaron Velthoven, Vice President & Race Director, Detroit Free Press Marathon. “This is a testament to the hard work and passion of our team, volunteers, and participants each and every year.”
Races were nominated by a panel of outside industry experts unaffiliated with Gannett, and then readers were invited to vote for their top choice once per day throughout the month-long voting period. Voting took place from February 24 to March 25.
The 2025 Detroit Free Press Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 19, with additional races and events occurring throughout the weekend. Registration is already sold out, the fastest sell-out in the race’s 48-year history
The Detroit Free Press Marathon is sponsored by Detroit Free Press, part of Gannett’s USA TODAY Network. For more information about the Detroit Free Press Marathon and USA TODAY’s Reader’s Choice Awards, visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/.
ABOUT USA TODAY
Since its introduction in 1982, USA TODAY has been a cornerstone of the national media landscape under its recognizable and respected brand. It also serves as the foundation for our newsroom network which allows for content sharing capabilities across our local and national markets. Through USA TODAY, we deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Across our digital platforms we reach an audience of approximately 73 million unique visitors each month (based on December 2024 Comscore Media Metrix®).
ABOUT THE DETROIT FREE PRESS MARATHON
The Detroit Free Press Marathon, presented by MSUFCU, is Michigan’s largest road race, North America’s largest international road race and a beloved 48-year tradition among runners across the world. Featuring a unique cross-border course between the United States and Canada, the event showcases the spirit of Detroit and its vibrant communities. Detroit’s race weekend will be held October 17-19, 2025. Races include the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, Motor City Half-Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.
ABOUT USA TODAY 10BEST
Since its inception in 1999, 10Best has empowered readers to live well and travel smart by providing original, unbiased, and experiential content. Welcomed into the USA TODAY family in 2013, and subsequently becoming USA TODAY 10Best, the brand continues its mission to provide invaluable insights and tips to help readers make the most of their free time, whether it’s an evening at home or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.
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