Weather
Climate Avg| Time | Temp | Dew Pt | Humidity | Wind | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 36.9 – 57.5°F | 41° Ideal | 65 – 91% | 7 mph SW | Clear sky |
| 8:00 AM | 37.1 – 57.2°F | 42° Ideal | 68 – 92% | 8 mph SW | Clear sky |
| 9:00 AM | 41.3 – 59.2°F | 41° Ideal | 59 – 85% | 7 mph SW | Partly cloudy |
| 10:00 AM | 48.9 – 48.9°F | 41° Ideal | 73 – 73% | 5 mph SW | Clear sky |
| 11:00 AM | 54 – 54°F | 42° Ideal | 63 – 63% | 5 mph SW | Clear sky |
| Finish | 58.4 – 58.4°F | 42° Ideal | 54 – 54% | 5 mph SW | Clear sky |
Based on 3-year average for this date. Real forecast available in 78 days.
Elevation Profile
Course Stats
Mile Splits
| Mile | Grade |
|---|---|
| 1 | -0.2% |
| 2 | +0.0% |
| 3 | +0.1% |
| 4 | +0.2% |
| 5 | -0.1% |
| 6 | +0.2% |
| 7 | -0.1% |
| 8 | -0.4% |
| 9 | +0.2% |
| 10 | +0.1% |
| 11 | +0.2% |
| 12 | +0.1% |
| 13 | -0.1% |
| 14 | +0.2% |
| 15 | -0.1% |
| 16 | -0.2% |
| 17 | +0.2% |
| 18 | -0.1% |
| 19 | -0.5% |
| 20 | +0.1% |
| 21 | +0.1% |
| 22 | +0.1% |
| 23 | -0.0% |
| 24 | -0.1% |
| 25 | -0.0% |
| 26 | +0.0% |
| 27 | +0.1% |
RM Difficulty Index
Race-Day Weather History
Race-morning conditions on this date over the past 5 years: median 47°F with a 41°F dew point and 8 mph wind. Heat has rarely been a factor.
| Year | Temp | Dew Pt | Wind | Rain | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 49°F | 44°F | 8 mph | — | Partly cloudy |
| 2022 | 39°F | 30°F | 17 mph | — | Partly cloudy |
| 2021 | 47°F | 41°F | 7 mph | — | Clear |
| 2019 | 41°F | 36°F | 7 mph | — | Clear |
| 2017 | 50°F | 43°F | 9 mph | — | Clear |
Morning conditions (race window) on the Detroit Marathon calendar date each year, from the ERA5 reanalysis archive — the race’s usual slot, not necessarily each edition’s exact day.
Detroit Marathon Pace Calculator & Race Plan
Detroit is unique because you cross into Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and return through the Windsor Tunnel. The bridge climb at mile 3 is the biggest elevation feature. Otherwise it's a relatively flat course through the city.
October weather in Detroit is usually good for running. The model accounts for the bridge climb and the typical conditions.
Detroit Marathon FAQ
When is the next Detroit Marathon?›
The next Detroit Marathon is on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
How long is the Detroit Marathon?›
The Detroit Marathon is 26.2 miles (42.195 km), the standard marathon distance. It runs in Detroit, MI.
How much elevation gain does the Detroit Marathon have?›
The Detroit Marathon has about 259 ft (79 m) of climbing and 261 ft of descent, with a maximum grade of 0.5%.
Is the Detroit Marathon flat, downhill, or hilly?›
The Detroit Marathon starts and finishes at roughly the same elevation (net -1 m). With 259 ft of total climbing along the way, it's a fast, flat course.
How hard is the Detroit Marathon?›
Runner's Math scores the Detroit Marathon 30/100 (Moderate) — #25 of 38 marathon courses in our library, ranked by modeled time cost. The profile costs about 0:24 versus a flat course for a runner at 4:00-marathon pace.
What's the weather usually like at the Detroit Marathon?›
Over the past 5 years on this date, median race-morning conditions were 47°F with a 41°F dew point and 8 mph wind. Heat has rarely been a factor.