The Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon was at the top of my race bucket list in high school. The thought of running over the Ambassador Bridge to Canada and running through the Windsor Tunnel back to the USA was just awesome! I love being able to run unique races like this.
I was finally able to run the International Half Marathon in 2008. I loved the whole experience. Running over the bridge and through the tunnel was everything I hoped for.
I was planning on running it again in 2009, but ended up on the injured list from having microfracture surgery on my knee. This may have knocked me out from running the International Half Marathon again, but it didn't stop me from volunteering! I wanted to still be part of the race, so I signed up to be a course marshall. I still wanted to be out on the course and cheering other runners on.
In 2010, I still wasn't able to return to the Detroit Free Press races. I decided to volunteer again as a course marshall.
2011 was the year I ran the full Detroit Marathon. I went in with the mind set of 'just get yourself across the finish line'.
In 2015, I returned to the International Half Marathon. I wanted to try something different this time around. I went into the race with the mindset of having fun with the race. I wasn't out to run a fast time or break any personal records. I wanted to go out, enjoy the scenery, and have fun. Mission accomplished.
This year, the Detroit Free Press Marathon started a race ambassador program. I was one of the lucky twelve runners to be selected for this awesome opportunity. For this year's race, I'm signed up to run the 5K. I wanted to change things up this year and run one of the Detroit Free Press Marathon races I haven't ran before. This gets me one step closer to have ran all of the Detroit Free Press Marathon races. For individual runners, there's the marathon, US only half marathon, international half marathon, and 5K
Next year, I'm planning on running the marathon again. I'm hoping for a better finish than just hoping to make it across the finish line.
I highly recommend running one of the Detroit Free Press Marathon races. The course, organization of the race, and the over all experience is well worth it. This year's race dates are October 14th-16th. Register for one of the 2016 races and use code 'deerfoot95' to get a discount.
Hope to see you at the starting line come race day! Join The Journey!
