For years, Taylor MacArthur has watched the Detroit Free Press Marathon unfold from the sidelines. This year, the Windsor runner and local business owner will finally experience it from the other side of the barriers. MacArthur is among the thousands of participants preparing for this year’s race, which is expected to be the largest in the event’s 49-year history. He’ll be running the international half-marathon after living in Windsor for 15 years and watching the race make its annual journey through the city. “Just going to take it all in because I’ve been in Windsor for 15 years now, and I’ve seen the marathon run many of times,” MacArthur said. “I’ve just never got to experience it myself. And I’m a runner by trade, so it’s kind of a silly thing that I’ve not showed up yet.” The growing popularity of the race is being felt across the border, including at Windsor running stores. Kyle McCamon, general manager of The Running Factory, said the store has seen an influx of first-time Detroit Free Press participants preparing for race day. “A lot of first time,” McCamon said. “Even the half-full marathon clinic that we run, a lot of first-time registrants for Detroit.” The international half-marathon sold out in eight days, while the full marathon sold out in 10 days. Organizers say the entire event sold out within 12 days. For runners nearing the finish of their training, McCamon said the focus has shifted to getting the right shoes, nutrition, and advice for race day. “The amount of Canadians that are involved in that, obviously from all over, but from the Windsor population definitely keeps things interesting as we come into these next two weeks with people finishing up their training and looking for nutrition and shoes and all that kind of stuff,” he explained. McCamon will also be taking part this year, running the international half-marathon. He told CTV News that the event represents more than a physical challenge. “It’s an opportunity to not only test yourself, see what your training has brought you to,” he said. “You learn something new about yourself each and every race and long run.” He said the race has also become part of Windsor’s community identity. “For me, it’s something that is part of our community,” McCamon said. “It’s something that people celebrate and enjoy.” The race’s organizers say Windsor plays an important role in making the event unique. Aaron Velthoven, vice-president and race director, said close to 3,000 Canadians are expected to take part this year, with Canadian participation increasing annually. “It’s exciting to see Canada is such a huge part of our race,” Velthoven said. “Windsor is such a great partner to us that the spectators along Riverside Drive come out in droves. It’s tremendous.” The course takes runners across the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor before travelling along Riverside Drive and returning to Detroit through the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel. Velthoven said the logistical challenge of closing roads across two countries is significant, but the response from communities on both sides of the border helps make the event possible. “We closed 26.2 miles of road on Sunday morning,” he said. “Not an easy feat, but the communities are welcoming, they’re energetic and they’re excited.” Velthoven described the event as a celebration of the relationship between the two communities. “It’s going to be a great race day, a great celebration for this binational community, which is so unique between our two countries,” he said. According to MacArthur, the international aspect of the race is one of its biggest draws. “It’s one of the largest, one of the most well-known international marathons,” he said. “So, when we get to come on this side and have all of our Canadian fans cheer us along, I’m sure it’s a very euphoric moment for everybody and very motivating.” MacArthur said he has signed up for the race three times and notes this will be the first time he’s been healthy enough to actually participate. He’s not putting too much pressure on himself for his inaugural trek across the course. “I’m just going to try to go out there and enjoy it,” he said. “I’ve heard nothing but good things every year about it.” And after years of watching other runners pass through Windsor, MacArthur is looking forward to finally being one of them. “Good luck to everybody doing the half and the full and take it in and enjoy it,” he said. “Because it’s not an easy sport. But there’s a reason this many people are out there doing this because it’s good for you, mind, body, and soul.” The Detroit Free Press Marathon and international half-marathon are scheduled for Oct. 18. - With files from AM800
