Athletics: 27th Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon to be run Sunday, October 24

DETROIT, Mich. - (April 16, 2004) - The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon will again be run on U.S. and Canadian soil. The official racecourse for the 26.2- mile event incorporates both the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, allowing participants to cross borders for the twenty-fifth time in the race's twenty-seven year history and run an underwater mile. The race will begin at the main gates of Comerica Park and finish inside Ford Field near the fifty-yard line.

New for 2004 - a half-marathon - a 13.1-mile distance. The new half-marathon is an international event crossing U.S. and Canadian borders twice.

This is also the second year for the kidMILES program. KidMILES is a group of inner-city Detroit elementary students who will participate in the 5K portion of the day's events. These children are learning the benefits of healthy active living through the support of Detroit Free Press, St. John Health and Providence Athletic Medicine.

A health and fitness expo will kick off the events leading up to race day. Sponsored by Whole Foods Market, the expo will begin Friday, October 22 at Cobo Hall from 3 to 8pm and again from 10am to 7pm Saturday. Participants will be able to register for the marathon, half-marathon and 5K events, collect their runner packets and browse through exhibitors booths. The expo is open to the public and admission is free.

Runners from more than 35 countries will participate in this sanctioned qualifying race for entry into the Boston Marathon. We are proud to have the participation of the world's top elite runners as well as first time marathoners. Detroit offers something for everyone.

All of the events during marathon weekend are endorsed by the State of Michigan Governor's office.

The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon, presented by Greektown Casino is an annual 26.2-mile road race certified by USA Track & Field. The Marathon is owned by the Detroit Free Press. Flagstar Bank is the title sponsor and has been affiliated with the race since 1998. The 2004 event marks the 27th year and is expected to draw close to 5,000 participants. The Marathon features six divisions: marathon (26.2-miles), half-marathon (13.1-miles), Wright & Filippis Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Competition (26.2-miles), Walking Division (26.2-miles), Reebok Team Relays (2 and 5 person teams - 26.2-miles), and Compuware 5K Fun Run and Fitness Walk (3.1-miles). Prize money is awarded in each of these divisions except the 5K run/walk. The total purse for the event is more than $30,000.

For more information, contact Patricia Ball at (734) 769-2926 or by email: patriciaball@comcast.net or visit us online at www.freep.com/marathon.