Detroit marathon welcomes back Canadians
Detroit Free Press Marathon officials were happy to welcome back all things Canada Sunday.
“Couldn't be more happy after a two-year absence,” said race VP and executive director Aaron Velthoven.
Americans, like Erica Hicks, missed their Canadian friends.
“It was a big miss so I'm happy that part is back,” she said.
Canadians were also happy to be back.
“It is very much nice to be back in the atmosphere and all of the hustle and bustle that a morning entails,” said Janet Maceroni of Essex County.
Windsor’s Lily Desamito was part of a group of runners returning after the two-year pause.The Detroit Free Press Marathon returned after a two-year hiatus in Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ont. on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
“We're excited. I brought a couple of my friends. First timers,” she said.
There were many first-timers including Tim Muldoon who trekked in from Wisconsin.
“I mentioned we were going to Canada for a few miles and they were like 'It's that close" I'm like, ‘yeah, it's only a bridge away,’” said Muldoon. The Detroit Free Press Marathon returned after a two-year hiatus in Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ont. on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk was at the start line with a horn blaster helping to launch runners towards the Ambassador Bridge. His Liberal government and race officials were hoping the race would return to its international roots.
“We had this date circled on our calendar literally for months and we were just delighted to see all the border measures lifted just in time. This was awesome,” he said.
“ArriveCan certainly presented challenges. Any more complexity and requirements for the runners can be a deterrent. Simpler is always better you know,” added Velthoven.
The Detroit Free Press Marathon returned after a two-year hiatus in Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ont. on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
Runners, like Amanda Rohta, were happy to be able to enjoy the full experience of the marathon once again.
“The sunrise over the bridge is the best thing in the world and getting to run the only mile in the world underwater is pretty awesome too,” she said.
Once on the Canadian side, Americans made their way down Riverside Drive and were cheered along the way to the tunnel.
About 119,000 people participated in this year’s marathon. Congrats to the 19,000 runners & 4,000 volunteers of the bi-national Detroit #FreePressMarathon! Unforgettable honour to rep 🇨🇦 at the start and finish line. A great race - and an even better symbol of enduring friendship and peace between neighbours. Loved every minute & smile! pic.twitter.com/QXNCC11Muj
The Detroit Free Press Marathon returned after a two-year hiatus in Detroit, Mich. and Windsor, Ont. on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. (Bob Bellacicco/CTV News Windsor)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Alleged gang member driving from U.S. arrested at Canadian border after making wrong turn
An alleged gang member coming from the United States was arrested at the Canadian border after reportedly making a wrong turn onto the Peace Bridge border crossing.
Negotiations between Canada Post, union still on hold
Canada Post says it's waiting for a response from the union representing some 55,000 striking workers after it offered a new framework for negotiations over the weekend.
Trump demands immediate release of Oct. 7 hostages, says otherwise there will be 'HELL TO PAY'
President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of the Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office there will be “HELL TO PAY."
Kingston, Ont. doctor ordered to repay $600K for pandemic vaccination payments
An Ontario health tribunal has ordered a Kingston, Ont. doctor to repay over $600,000 to the Ontario government for improperly billing thousands of COVID-19 vaccinations at the height of the pandemic.
Nova Scotia lawyer suspended following ugly courtroom fracas
A Nova Scotia lawyer who had to be restrained by deputy sheriffs during a court appearance earlier this year has lost his appeal of a suspension following the bizarre incident.
Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after 'alarming blood test,' attorney says
Harvey Weinstein was hospitalized Monday following an 'alarming blood test,' his attorney said, less than a week after he filed a legal claim alleging substandard medical care at New York City's notorious jail complex.
AC/DC announces North American stadium tour, Vancouver lone Canadian stop
Big news for AC/DC fans as the heavy metal bigwigs announced Monday they will hit the road next spring. But as of now, there’s only one Canadian show on the docket.
Wind chills of -50, snowfall of up to 50 cm: Canada's weather forecast
As the second day of December unfolds, Canadians from coast to coast are experiencing a range of wintry conditions. Here's what's happening in different parts of the country.
After multiple data breaches, Yahoo settled a class-action lawsuit. The deadline to file compensation claims is approaching
Yahoo and Rogers customers in Canada have until the end of the month to claim up to $375 cash from a data breach settlement.