Detroit Free Press Half Marathon Race Report – Sarah Hillenbrand

Detroit

Detroit Free Press Half Marathon Race Report – Sarah Hillenbrand

Race: Detroit Free Press Half Marathon

Runner: Sarah Hillenbrand

Race Date: 10/17/2021

Location: Detroit, MI

Results: Time 2:18:22

3 Bests – What aspects of the Detroit Half Marathon did you like the most?

1. Running with fellow Team Run Run-er and my brother-in-law Tyler Zenk!
2. Since the border to Canada was closed, it was a new course running through Detroit and it was a great race course through some cool neighborhoods.
3. Perfect running weather! Mid-50s.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

Because of the course change, it was harder for spectators to get to multiple places on the course to cheer you on.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

There were new traffic humps put into some neighborhoods so you had to keep an eye out so you don’t trip on them! Plus watching out for potholes because… Michigan roads.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

Running with Tyler helped me keep up my pace and do much better on this race than I thought I would!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

I feel like I’m not qualified to give expert advice but I’d just say don’t start out too fast! Especially easy to do this in races.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Find a pacer and stick with them!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes! They’ll likely go back to their usual course if the Canada border is open which is still a great course.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

No, it’s pretty flat which I loved!

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes, it was very organized.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Yes!

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

The biggest thing is finding parking outside of the race course, but there are a lot of options.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Plenty of aid stations with water and Gatorade.

Weather and typical race conditions

Cool and cloudy.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Bring a sweatshirt to keep warm before the race starts!

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

The usual course is better to see runners multiple times but still a good one for spectators.

How’s the Swag?

Cool shirt and Buff! Lots of food available after the race.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

10 out of 10!

Preparing for your next race? Check out our checklist to help you prepare for it!

Detroit Marathon Race Report – Jared Landry

Race: Detroit Marathon

Runner: Jared Landry

Race Date: 10/17/2021

Location: Detroit, Michigan

Results: 3:03:18

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/6127265669/overview

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

There was so much good about this race. The volunteers were everywhere, lots of them and very helpful. It was very easy to access start and finish area. Loved that there was a lot of music (Dj’s and bands) along the course!!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The only real issue I had with the race was that there were no timing clocks along the course which I didn’t like.

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I thought I ran a really smart race. I didn’t go out too fast, I stuck to my plan and when I felt the time was right I starting ramping up the speed. I focused on running the tangents as well as I could. I really enjoyed the crowd support along the race, lots of people cheering, lots of people playing music from their homes along the way. The weather was absolutely perfect. The cloud cover in the morning really helped keeping the sun hidden once it came up. After training in the Southern Louisiana Summer these mid 40 degree temps were very welcoming!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Stick to your race plan.
Don’t go out fast.
Practice your race day nutrition throughout your long training runs.
Let people pass you! Run your race!

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Pick a pace group that will keep you honest at the beginning of the race.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Everything is gonna go great, the course is pretty flat, and then you get to Belle Isle and you are hit with a ton of bricks from the crazy headwind! At Mile 20 it really hits hard! Stick with a group to draft! I did not and had to push through the headwind alone!

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

It’s cute. You run through a lot of different neighborhoods in Detroit. The course was a different course than they normally have because they couldn’t go into Canada. Next year they are supposed to go back to the course that runs through Canada.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s pretty flat, there are a few tiny hills you have to run. Towards the end of the race there are two quick steep uphills, when your legs are tired these are a little challenging.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

They definitely know how to put on a race!

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Decent field, based on results I’ve seen in the past I placed right around where I thought I would place.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

I signed up two weeks before the race. Normally it sells out much sooner. I don’t think the marathon was sold out. The hotels downtown are very expensive and not many choices trying to book last minute.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Lots of aid stations and they are well stocked!

Weather and typical race conditions

Mid 40’s during the race which made for an amazing day! It gets really windy downtown and once you are on Belle Isle.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Just your normal throw away gear.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

This course was not too friendly to spectators. My boyfriend could really only see me at the start/mile 13/finish. It was a very spread our course.

How’s the Swag?

Lame! Just a long sleeved T with not many extras in the bag.

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

4 1/2 stars … I think it will be back to being an even better race when it goes through Canada.