I ran the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon for the 2nd time in 2018. There are 2 versions of the Half Marathon, and International version and the all US version. The International version follows the 1st half of the marathon course and goes over the Ambassador Bridge to Canada and back to the US through the Tunnel. The US only version follows the 2nd half of the marathon course. Registration of the International version cuts off at the end of August, so if you are considering this, make sure you register in time. I rated parking in the middle because I work close to the start finish line and use my employee parking for this event. I have not heard much grumbling about parking so I just rated it average.

The start finish line is close to Woodward Ave on Fort Street. The course heads directly to the Ambassador Bridge from there and across to Canada. The bridge is still open to traffic that is directed to one side the bridge. There is a lot of picture taking on the bridge, especially at the top where you officially cross into Canada. At the bottom of the bridge, you make a U-Turn and head for Riverside Drive in Windsor. About halfway down riverside, you hit the relay point between leg 1 and leg 2 of the relay.

You then continue on riverside drive until it is time to make a right hand turn to head to the tunnel. The tunnel represent "The Only Underwater Mile in the World for a Running Event", this is their claim not mine, I have not attempted to verify this and don't plan to! The Tunnel is very hot, you don't realize this until you emerge from the other side and get hit by a welcome blast of cool air. There are also lots of picture taking in the tunnel as there is also a sign indicating crossing back to the US from Canada.

Upon emerging from the tunnel, I came upon a man and his daughter who are attempting marathons in all 50 states and had the t-shirts to prove it, this was #38 so they are getting there.

At this point you are about 7-8K from the finish, through Mexicantown, down Michigan Avenue and a U-turn back on to Fort St. and the finish line. The strange thing is that the wind in blowing in your face the whole way down Michigan Ave. and then when you turn back on Fort St., running the opposite direction, the wind is still blowing at you! How can that happen!

After the finish line, medals were awarded as well as the typical post race snack. This year there were some challenges, so since I also ran a 1-mile sprint and a 5K the day before, I went to the post race party area to pick up my (Stevie) Wonder Challenge Medal.

I'm disappointed that I will be in Phoenix in 2019 so I won't be able to run this event, but am looking for something to take it's place.