DETROIT – The Detroit Free Press Marathon presented by MSU Federal Credit Union is setting records for the third year in a row, with its two most popular races selling out days after registration opened.
Organizers announced Friday that the marathon and the international half-marathon are sold out.
Registration opened on Jan. 1, 2026, with the marathon selling out within a week, and the half-marathon selling out a couple of days after that.
Before 2024, no Detroit Free Press Marathon race event had ever sold out, according to a release.
The first sellouts for races started in August 2024, and last year, the sellouts started in March.
Strong demand and multiple sellouts are pushing this year’s race weekend to record-breaking levels.
After attracting just over 26,000 registrants across all events last year, total participation is expected to climb to nearly 30,000 in 2026, setting a new course capacity benchmark, according to the release.
Sunday’s key races will see the biggest surge. Combined registration for the Marathon, International Half-Marathon, and Motor City Half-Marathon is projected to reach approximately 23,000 runners.
That’s up from about 20,000 last year.
“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 recent sellouts underscore the continued growth and popularity of the Detroit Free Press Marathon.
The event was named the best marathon in the country by USA Today readers in 2025, and set records for both total registered runners and economic impact.
It generated $39 million, a 30% increase over the previous year, and earned a net zero waste designation for the third consecutive year, making it the only major event in Detroit’s history to do so, according to organizers.
Last year, the marathon also expanded its footprint by announcing it would take over management of the Corktown Races, a beloved tradition held alongside the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
That momentum has been fueled by several recent enhancements, including the debut of a new course in 2022, the addition of a national-caliber Elite Field in 2024, and the launch of a program providing free shoes, race entries, and other support to Detroit Public Schools students, according to the release.
Despite the demand for more race slots, organizers say it is important not to grow too quickly to protect runner safety.
“I often tell our staff that we don’t want to be the biggest marathon, we want to be the best marathon,” Velthoven said.
How to participate in a Detroit Free Press Marathon event, despite sellouts
If you weren’t able to register for the marathon or international half-marathon before they sold out, organizers shared a few ways you can still participate in the race weekend.
There are still a limited number of openings for the Motor City Half Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2025. This race doesn’t cross over into Canada. If you’re interested in participating, register soon, as organizers expect it to also sell out quickly.
There are also still openings for Sunday’s team relay event.
There will also be a waitlist for the marathon and international half-marathon. That opens next week. Click here for more information about the waitlist.
All of the races slated for Saturday, Oct. 17, 2025, including the 5K, 1-Mile Presented by Precision Garage, Kids Marathon Presented by Priority Health and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.
To register, visit here.