Featured Running Event of he Week - Detroit International Half-Marathon

So, how many events can one participate in, in TWO countries, in the same event.  I'm sure there are a few, but two of them are the Detroit International Marathon & Detroit International Half-Marathon. 

This marathon course, offers two distinct Half-Marathons as well.  It's not uncommon for a Marathon to offer a Half option - but this offers two different Half options - an International Half and a US Only Half.  The International Half starts with and at the same exact time as the full Marathon and runs from Detroit, USA to Windsor, Canada and back.  The US Only Half, actually starts a full 3 1/2 hours later, and picks up at the 13 mile mark and runs the entire marathon course, finishing at the same finish line as the Full Marathon and International Half.  One thing this does is creates an element where no runners will ever feel alone on the course, because shortly after the International Half peels off - the US Only half joins in.

I ran the International Half, so that's all I'll really be able to write about.  However, I knew 3 runners in the full and they had lots of great stories to tell about the neighborhoods and Belle Isle, which I did not get to experience.  Based on what they told me, I fully intend to return next year and run the US Only Half.  I still have no desire to run 26.2 - and kudos and congrats to those that do run Fulls!!!

This is definitely one of these races where I don't want to say too much, because I feel that the exploration and surprises are what makes this race so enjoyable to run.  To talk about this race in detail would be to include spoilers, which I will not do.  But I will give you an overview.

First, the volunteers at the aid stations and spirit stations were PHENOMENAL.  Many many many thanks to the hundreds (probably thousands) of volunteers.  Also many many thanks to all of the Police Officers and Border Patrol Agents that were out there.  Not only were they providing valuable services, but they were also providing much encouragement.  And many thanks to the race organizers who made sure aid stations were plentiful (as were porta-potties), the race started on time, the finish was organized, and all that jazz too!!!

The Half leaves downtown Detroit, only a rock's throw from the Cobo Center and short jog from the Renaissance Center.  As with all large runs, it starts in waves, but it will be crowded for all 13.1 miles (and for all 26.2 from what I hear).  The race runs south out of downtown into a light industrial area, which is still lined with spectators all the way to the bridge entrance area.  7:00am in October is still dark in Detroit, but that did not dissuade any spectators from coming out in full force, including live bands and acoustic guitar players, scattered all over the course.  The route then winds around and enters the Ambassador Bridge, which is at least a mile long (maybe more) and has a long incline, which is followed by a long decline and suddenly the race is in Canada.  The course then runs along the river for most of Canada before heading back to Detroit - via the famous tunnel!  Or as the shirt sold at the Expo said "The world's only under water 1 mile run".  Upon returning to Detroit, the course runs along riverfront drive (might not be the right name for the street) and goes under the famed Cobo Center.  It then heads out past where Tiger stadium used to be, and then through a nice neighborhood called Corktown.  The course then turns and goes over some busy roads and back into downtown with a loop back to the finish line, and a long home stretch with cheering spectators on both sides. 

This was probably the largest (in attendance) race I've ever attended, though Chicago's Hot Chocolate draws 10s of thousands, somehow this just seemed more crowded.  At all times, runners need to look around before slowing and also check blindspots before "changing lanes".  It was truly a pleasure to be part of such a large world-class style event.  (Nothing is wrong with smaller events, just different)

There are so many very cool things I can say about spectator participation along the route and/or scenery around the course, but I don't want to give out any spoilers. Seeing it is more than half the fun.  I really wish I could tell you about the people and scenery and the surprises, but that's where the fun lies.  I will say this - if I took away just three memories of the event (though I took away about 3 dozen) - they would be 1) The Bridge  2) The Tunnel and 3) The Spectators.

Okay, I really have to include this, it's not a spoiler, but it has to be said - the people of Detroit and Windsor are great great great people!  So thankful to have them lining almost the entire course!

For those wondering about the border crossing logistics.  Runners participating in the Full and International Half must present Passport, Passport Card, or Enhanced ID, to pick up their bibs.  Bibs must be worn on the front, near the chest.  Any bibs on the legs or backed risk being stopped by Border Patrol Agents.  Backpacks and Camelbacks and even large liquid containers are prohibited on the course, but there are PLENTY of aid stations and runners can easily keep hydrated that way.  All aid stations have both water and Gatorade.  Border Patrol watches on both sides of the bridge and both sides of the tunnel - and there are PLENTY of them - and they see all.  I witnessed at least two calling out to runners "You, in the green - bib?" and the person (who had taken his shirt off earlier) produced the bib.  My friends in the Full said they even saw two officers chase a runner, instead of stopping him, as he unrolled his previously removed jacket, which had his bib.  I also so two people with backpacks stopped, and were asked for their passports.  Even in the wake of all the recent terrible things in the world, I never felt unsafe during this event - not once.