The 2024 Detroit Marathon results are in, and this year’s event made history in the most unexpected and heartwarming way. A Michigan husband-and-wife duo — Andrew Bowman and Sydney Devore-Bowman — claimed both the men’s and women’s marathon titles, marking the first time in event history that a married couple took home top honors in the same year.
Thousands of runners filled the streets of downtown Detroit on Sunday, October 20, 2024, as cool fall weather and light winds created near-perfect race conditions. Both elite and amateur athletes crossed the international border into Canada and back again, celebrating one of the most unique marathon routes in North America.
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A Record-Setting Day for the Bowmans
Andrew Bowman of Ferndale, Michigan, blazed through the 26.2-mile course in 2 hours, 17 minutes, and 47 seconds, securing the men’s title. His victory marked one of the fastest finishing times recorded in recent Detroit Marathon history.
Just behind him — though in a different division — his wife, Sydney Devore-Bowman, took the women’s crown with an impressive time of 2 hours, 42 minutes, and 46 seconds.
The couple’s shared victory wasn’t just a personal milestone; it captured the spirit of the Detroit running community. Spectators lined the streets cheering as both athletes finished strong near the iconic downtown finish line. Their shared triumph became one of the defining stories of the 2024 Detroit Marathon weekend.
A Unique Course with International Appeal
One of the defining features of the Detroit Marathon is its international course. Runners begin in downtown Detroit, cross the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and then return to the U.S. via the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, the only underwater international mile in any marathon in the world.
The course offers stunning waterfront views, challenging elevation changes, and vibrant local support from both sides of the border. The marathon’s dual-country setup continues to attract thousands of participants from across the U.S. and abroad each year.
Course Highlights:
- Start line: Downtown Detroit near Fort Street
- Mile 3: Ambassador Bridge sunrise crossing into Canada
- Mile 8: Detroit-Windsor Tunnel back into the U.S.
- Finish: Along Jefferson Avenue near the heart of the city
This international setup remains a major reason runners around the world flock to Detroit each October.
Participation and Race-Day Atmosphere
The 2024 Detroit Marathon attracted more than 20,000 runners, including participants in the full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, and one-mile events. Crowds gathered at early morning hours, with temperatures hovering in the high 40s — ideal marathon weather.
Many first-time marathoners joined seasoned veterans, while charity teams and community groups brought an infectious energy to the event. Music stations, cheer zones, and volunteer support along the course helped fuel runners as they navigated the cross-border journey.
The event also saw record participation from local running clubs, many of which trained specifically for Detroit’s demanding yet scenic route.
Top Finishers at a Glance
| Category | Winner | Hometown | Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Marathon | Andrew Bowman | Ferndale, MI | 2:17:47 |
| Women’s Marathon | Sydney Devore-Bowman | Ferndale, MI | 2:42:46 |
| Men’s Half Marathon | Thomas Thompson | Ann Arbor, MI | 1:07:15 |
| Women’s Half Marathon | Emily McCoy | Grand Rapids, MI | 1:20:34 |
The Bowman couple’s remarkable performance headlined the day, but several Michigan athletes also finished within the top 10 in both divisions, showcasing the state’s growing strength in competitive distance running.
Community Pride and Local Support
The Detroit Marathon has long been more than just a race; it’s a celebration of Detroit’s spirit and resilience. Crowds filled the RiverWalk and city streets waving signs and flags, while local businesses along the course offered free coffee, snacks, and encouragement to participants.
City officials praised the smooth organization of the event, highlighting its positive economic and cultural impact. Hotels and restaurants near the starting line were booked solid throughout marathon weekend, further underscoring the marathon’s importance to Detroit’s fall tourism.
Why the Detroit Marathon Results Matter
The Detroit Marathon results represent more than numbers on a leaderboard — they symbolize dedication, community, and athletic excellence. For many runners, simply crossing the finish line is a personal triumph. For others, like the Bowmans, it’s the culmination of years of disciplined training.
These results also play a major role in:
- Boston Marathon qualification: The Detroit Marathon’s flat and fast sections make it a favorite for runners aiming to meet Boston qualifying times.
- Charity fundraising: Many participants use the marathon as a platform to raise money for causes across Michigan and beyond.
- Local athlete recognition: Success stories like the Bowmans’ inspire new generations of Michigan runners to take on endurance challenges.
Preparing for the 2025 Detroit Marathon
Registration for the 2025 Detroit Marathon opened earlier this year and sold out faster than in 2024, showing the growing enthusiasm for this event. The next marathon is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025, with the same start and finish locations.
Runners preparing for next year’s race are already setting training goals. Organizers have confirmed that the course will remain largely the same, maintaining the Ambassador Bridge and Windsor Tunnel crossings that make it a one-of-a-kind event.
Key Tips for 2025 Participants:
- Begin training plans at least 16–20 weeks before race day.
- Focus on hill workouts and pacing — the bridge and tunnel segments test endurance.
- Prepare travel documents early for the international portion of the course.
- Secure lodging months in advance, as hotels fill quickly for marathon weekend.
Detroit’s Marathon Legacy
Since its founding in 1978, the Detroit Free Press Marathon has become one of the Midwest’s premier running events. Each year, the marathon attracts elite athletes, first-timers, and charity runners from all over the United States. Its unique route, friendly atmosphere, and connection to Detroit’s resurgence have made it a bucket-list race for many.
The event’s organizers continue to innovate, emphasizing sustainability, runner experience, and community impact. The success of the 2024 race — combined with the compelling story of the Bowman family’s dual victory — ensures that the Detroit Marathon’s legacy continues to grow.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Detroit Marathon results will be remembered not only for fast times but for the unforgettable story of Andrew and Sydney Bowman’s dual victories. Their achievement symbolized dedication, partnership, and Michigan pride — all hallmarks of this iconic race.
As the city looks forward to the 2025 marathon, runners and fans alike will carry the inspiration of this historic finish line moment.
Who was your favorite finisher from this year’s Detroit Marathon? Share your thoughts below and celebrate the spirit of Detroit running!
