Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon Sold Out; Record Number of Participants

DETROIT, Oct. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 35^th annual Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon takes place Sunday, October 21 on the streets of downtown Detroit and Windsor.  Nearly 24,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes from all 50 states and 16 countries will be ready for the start at 6:58 a.m. 

"This event shows the best our city and region has to offer," said Rich Harshbarger, Executive Race Director.  "People come from all over the world to take part in this," he said. 

Race weekend begins with a health and fitness expo at COBO Hall.  The expo is open Friday, October 19 from 3pm – 8pm and Saturday, October 20 from 10am until 7pm.  This is free and open to the public. 

On race day, a special media area has been arranged and space is limited.  If TV crews are planning to park to do live cut-ins or speak with race organizers, spectators, runners and volunteers, please contact Rich Harshbarger for details and credentials. 

The Detroit Free Press Marathon began in 1978 and has received multiple awards and distinctions.  Most recently Rodale Publishing named Detroit as one of the 10 best races for first-time marathoners and Competitor Magazine named Detroit's "underwater mile" one of the 26 most memorable marathon miles in 2010.  Marathon & Beyond magazine has named Detroit's medal among the top 25 medal designs two years in a row. 

SOURCE The Detroit Free Press/Talmer Bank Marathon