This race!!!! I have had this on my bucket list for a while - and I'm not sure why I didn't run it sooner. Well first, my passport. I had to make sure I had my passport before I registered for the race, so make sure you get that done!
Communication leading up to the race was great. Their social media, ambassador program and local running groups put out TONS of information. I wish I had lived closer and could have done some of the local long runs prior to the event!
Expo - The expo had great vendors, was easy to park/locate, and had an excellent assortment of race gear for sale! We didn't arrive until midday on Saturday, but there were still a ton of items for sale both official gear and other vendors. There were fun maps and other cool photo opts at the expo as well. Bonus - I loved my shirt! It was a long sleeve with the Spirit of Detroit on it and a matching neck gator! Both two awesome items!
Hotels - We stayed downtown which made it easy for parking and walking. The loop course still allows for parking and an "escape" so you don't get trapped within the course.
Course - THIS COURSE!!!!! This was one of my most memorable courses. The fact that I ran over the Ambassador Bridge into Canada and then back through the Windsor Tunnel to the USA all while carrying my passport in my side pocket, was pretty exhilarating. From the Canadian side, runners had a great view of Detroit, fun support groups and a decent amount of supporters cheering on runners. Once you we existed the tunnel we were greeted again by a massive crowd welcoming us back to the US. Once back in Detroit, the course went through classic Detroit landmarks, scenic neighborhoods and a nice downhill through the Dequindre Cut, a nice greenway path through the city. Overall even though the course took you through neighborhoods, MANY people were out spectating, cheering and armed with speakers/music!!! For the full marathon, you ran with the international half marathoners first and then eventually met up with the American half marathoners second. You always had a solid group of runners around you on the course.
Finish line/Post Race - The course looped back into down town for an epic finish through the city. The post race party was only steps away after you finish! I loved the music, the food and the race atmosphere vibe. Not to mention the medal, with the two country flags, was pretty amazing. We walked back to take our picture next to the Spirit of Detroit Statue, which wasn't far away.
Overall this was a pretty epic race! I gave the elevation a two only because the climb up and over the bridge could be considerable if you are from a flat area. But overall, it was a pretty flat, fast course!
Other notable experience - at EVERY water stations - people cheered YOUR name. It was a great feeling hearing my name called out by so many volunteers. That detail right there makes a race special.