The upcoming Detroit Free Press Marathon, a significant draw for both local and international runners, has announced a full house this year. The event, slated for October 18-20, is remarkable not only for selling out for the first time in its 47-year history but also for drawing an unprecedented number of participants – surpassing 26,000 runners, as reported by Detroit Free Press. Alongside the traditional races, this year's event also introduces an elite runner category, poised to infuse the marathon with fresh competitive spirit and international appeal.
Runners unfortunate enough to not secure a spot in advance are finding themselves navigating a fraught terrain of scammers and fraudulent offers. Some hopeful entrants have recounted near misses with scams, as would-be sellers of race bibs on platforms like Facebook proved to be anything but legitimate. "Their profile pic and cover photo are uploaded within a day or two," Ronald Ilagan told CBS News Detroit, indicating the level of caution required for those still looking to score an entry into the sold-out race.
Among those caught off guard by the early sell-out was Will Sexton, a Detroit local, who has participated in the marathon multiple times. "It's almost like a 26.2-mile party," he described the marathon in a statement obtained by WXYZ. Still hopeful, Sexton is carefully vetting opportunities to join the marathon through a legitimate transfer, a process that has been marred by the emergence of fraudulent sellers demanding payment through apps like Zelle – a known red flag.
Adding to the complexities of this year's event is a new waiting list and official transfer process, as explained by race director Aaron Velthoven to WXYZ. "We've had a host of folks successfully transferring their bibs over from injury to a new person, but you just want to watch out," he stated, cautioning participants to thoroughly investigate who they are transacting with before committing to any payment or personal information exchange. For those still looking to take part in the festivities, opportunities remain in shorter races, such as the 5K and Motor City Half Marathon, which do not cross the border into Windsor.
As the marathon approaches, organizers have tightened security protocols and are actively educating participants on how to avoid being victimized by scams. The heightened scrutiny comes amid a climate of increased interest in running and outdoor events since the pandemic, a sentiment echoed by Velthoven in an interview with Detroit Free Press. With the marathon's storied legacy and its unique international route, the 2023 event stands to celebrate athleticism and community spirit amidst the inexorable challenge of ensuring a fair and safe experience for all participants.
