Tunnel will close to motorists at 6:15 a.m. on Sunday morning, reopen at 10:15 a.m.

DETROIT – For the 49th year, the Detroit Free Press Marathon will send thousands of runners beneath the Detroit River on Sunday, October 18, 2026. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel will once again host the race’s signature “underwater mile” – the only official underwater international mile in the world.

“For one morning every October, the Tunnel stops being a daily commute and becomes a memory runners carry with them for the rest of their lives,” said Trevor Pearce, interim CEO of the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.. Detroit and Windsor share a river, and a deep sense of pride, and we’re honored to help showcase that bond to athletes and spectators from around the world.”

To accommodate the race, the Tunnel will be closed to all vehicle traffic from 6:15 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on race day. Normal operations will resume at 10:15 a.m. Travelers planning to cross the border Sunday morning are encouraged to plan and allow extra time.

Named the best marathon in America for the second consecutive year by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the Detroit Free Press Marathon continues to draw record demand, with more than 26,000 runners taking part in 2025. The Tunnel stretch remains one of the course’s most celebrated moments, giving participants a rare chance to travel under the Detroit River by foot as part of their international journey.

For more information on the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, visit www.dwtunnel.com. ###
Media Contact: Ryan Bridges, rbridges@mariomorrow.com, 313-347-6575