Running Routes in Detroit and the Metro Area

The Detroit Free Press Marathon

The Detroit Marathon takes place in October and offers multiple race options, including a marathon, a half marathon, a relay race, and shorter distances. The unique feature of this marathon is its international course that crosses the Detroit River into Canada, allowing participants to run through both Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. The event showcases iconic landmarks such as the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, providing runners with a distinctive cross-border running experience. The Detroit Marathon attracts participants from around the world and celebrates the spirit of unity between the two cities. It's also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon and attracts about 20,000 runners each year from all over the world.

Macomb County

Stony Creek Metropark

Stony Creek has multiple trails to keep you engaged and go the distance. The Stony Creek hike trail is a 6.5-mile asphalt paved loop around Stony Creek Lake with an easy route of gentle hills. The park also has trails off the loop that are dirt or grass that are moderately challenging ranging in length from 1.9-7.0 miles. Early morning is better to train as there are fewer people and bikers to contend with. If you need a longer trek, you can start at the park, then run out the entrance down Shelby Road to 25 Mile Road and pick up the Macomb Orchard Trail.

Macomb Orchard Trail

The Macomb Orchard is 23.5 miles of smooth pavement that takes you through lovely scenery along a former railway. The trail has multiple access sites including Stony Creek Metropark, Romeo, Armada, and Richmond. If 23.5 miles is too short, the Macomb Orchard connects at Dequindre Road with the 16-mile Clinton River Trail which meanders through Oakland County. Seasonal restrooms are located at the trailheads.

Oakland County

Clinton River Trail

Connecting to the Macomb Orchard Trail, the West Bloomfield Trail, and the Paint Creek Trail, the 16-mile Clinton River Trail spans five cities within Oakland County, from Rochester to Sylvan Lake. The Clinton River is part of a planned cross-state trail that goes from Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The trail has a variety of surfaces from crushed limestone to concrete. Seasonal restrooms are located at the trailheads.

West Bloomfield Trail

The West Bloomfield Trail is part of a 64 acres linear park along a former railroad corridor that meanders for 6.8 miles. The trail includes scenic overlooks and seasonal restrooms at the trailheads.

Paint Creek Trail

Located in northeast Oakland County, the Paint Creek Trail is an 8.9 linear park and was the first non-motorized rail-to-trail in Michigan. The trail is a mixture of crushed limestone and asphalt that wanders through shady tree-covered paths and along a creek and has seasonal restrooms on the trailheads.

Bloomer Park

Bloomer Park is a beautiful 200-acre park that can be accessed with the Clinton River Trail as the park has no available parking due to renovations. The park is known by athletes not for its running trails, but for its 200-step staircase which can be integrated into a workout to build your cardio. Seasonal restrooms are available.

Detroit

Detroit River Walk

Located along the azure waters of the Detroit River, the Detroit River Walk spans over 4 miles along a picturesque route. The trail is paved concrete and restrooms are available at the parks during their hours.

Dequindre Cut

Located predominately below street level, the Dequindre Cut runs for 1.6 along a former Grand Trunk Railroad line. The paved cut with vibrant murals along its length connects with the Detroit River Walk and has seasonal porta johns.

Belle Isle Park

Belle Isle is a gorgeous 982-acre park located on the Detroit River. This sparkling crown jewel of the city has multiple paved, twisting paths throughout to get some miles in. The loop around the park is an easy 5.4-mile run with views of the Detroit skyline and the Windsor shore. Restrooms are available seasonally.

Local Running Groups

If you need the motivation to train on those days when the couch looks like a better to place hang out, then check out these running clubs to find a friend to enjoy the trails with and get you pumped for your next race.

One of Michigan’s largest running clubs, We Run 313’s motto is Connect, Run, Build which brings people together to push them beyond their limits and unlock a higher level of self-love and awareness. The club hosts weekly runs called Two Mile Tuesdays which is for all levels and ages of runners and is a great introduction to the club and its members. There is also 5K/10K Thursday, a more intermediate run out of Robert C. Valade Park, and a Sunday Long Run with distances from 10-18 miles.

Detroit Downtown Runners and Walkers is an informal, friendly group that includes all abilities of runners. The club meets every Tuesday, rain or shine, at a different metro Detroit site, for a 4-6 mile run. After your workout, join the members for some great conversation and a bite to eat.

Detroit Body Garage is a gym whose mission is to be a vehicle of change through movement and community. The gym offers classes to tone your muscles and interact with other athletes. The offerings include its signature workout called Body Garage utilizing mobility tools to work all your parts and the Torque class with barbell basics at its core. There is also a free weekly group run that starts at 7 pm. They also have a women's run club with information available upon request.

Royal Oak Runners is a welcoming group that enjoys running and being social. The club hosts weekly runs from 3-5 miles starting in Royal Oak on Saturdays. The members also participate in races together to provide support and motivation.

City Sneakers’s motto is “Creating A Healthy Community Stride by Stride” and its only requirement is to get a great workout and have fun. There is no cost to join and weekly runs are hosted on Tuesdays and meet at different restaurants in Mt. Clemens. After your run, join the group for food, drinks, and some lively conversation.

RUNdetroit is also a great source for a visitor looking for a group to run with. They are a running store in Detroit offering two weekly group runs, as well as route ideas.