Running News Daily

The Detroit Free Press Marathon, is joining other large cities in canceling its fall event because of the coronavirus

For the first time since 1978, the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon will not take place in person this year.

Race weekend, which was scheduled for Oct. 16-18, 2020, will not take place downtown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Detroit’s Marathon Weekend is not just any weekend. It’s a celebration of athleticism, perseverance, community and the best Detroit has to offer. In March when our world as we knew it seemed to change, we were hopeful that we would be able to run together in October. As time has gone on, it has become clear to us that this will not be the case. It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing we will not be gathering together at the start line this year,” the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon staff said in a released statement Friday.

“After considerable consultation with public health and safety officials as well as discussions with our staff, volunteers, sponsors and most importantly our participants, we are announcing that the 43rd Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon will be run virtually due to COVID-19.”

Registered participants will have the option to participate in our virtual event, defer your registration to 2021 or 2022 at no cost or get a 50% refund on this year's event. Details of the virtual races will be available in a July 30 e-mail with further instructions.

Until then, registration is closed.

“We are heartbroken and disappointed. However, we are working to create the most engaging and collective virtual experience possible — there are celebrations still to be had this year! If we’ve learned anything from our community, it’s that the only way we persevere is together. So even if it’s virtually from our own start lines, we look forward to commemorating our achievements together, even if we’re apart.

“When we are able to return to the streets of Detroit in 2021, our race will not just be a run. It will be a celebration of our participants, supporters, volunteers and more. And celebrate, we will.”