2026 Detroit Free Press Marathon

Volunteer for the 2026 Detroit Free Press Marathon

Volunteers are essential to the success of the Detroit Free Press Marathon. They support participants and staff by distributing bibs and goodie bags, guiding runners, providing water, and handing out medals. With over 3,000 volunteers needed, it's a great opportunity for groups like sports teams, schools, or clubs to fulfill community service hours. We appreciate our volunteers' dedication and hard work!

All volunteers must register below by Monday, October 5.

For Group Volunteer inquiries, please fill out this form.

HEALTH & FITNESS EXPO

Shifts available for Oct. 15-17th at Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center)

Expo Packet Pick-Up

Distribute goodie bags and race shirts for any of the following events: Marathon, Half-Marathons, Challenge Series, Relay, 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash. Volunteers may be asked to help with other Expo tasks, such as restocking or reorganizing materials.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Expo Packet Pick-Up: Electronic Bib Distribution

Volunteer will be positioned in front of the EnMotive computer assigning bibs to registrants. This role requires you to be comfortable with computers and you will receive all training during your shift.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Solutions: Expo Set-Up

Volunteers will assist in setting up various booths at the Health & Fitness Expo including Solutions, Packet Pick up, Team Relay, etc. Includes lifting, organizing, opening and unpacking boxes, organizing runner bibs, putting up signage and various other activities.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Solutions: Expo Specialist

Work one-on-one with runners to resolve any last minute issues they are having with their race registrations. Must be able to fill out multiple forms, look information up on computers and work with an iPad or iPhone to process credit card fees. Shifts are at the Health & Fitness Expo, held at Huntington Place and requires standing for most of the shift. A fast-paced environment, often non-stop, but with a great team of folks who support each other and make it a fun environment.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Solutions: Expo Support

In the 'support' role at the Solutions booth, you will assist the 'specialist' by moving between various areas of the Packet Pick-Up area to retrieve runner bibs, team relay folders, runner t-shirts and/or goodie bags. You may also be asked to engage with runners waiting in the Solutions line to be sure they are in the right place for the issue they are trying to resolve and if needed, redirecting them to the proper location. Training will be provided. This role requires the ability to move quickly between different Expo booths and/or stand for the entire shift. Must like working with various people in a fast paced environment.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Expo Vendor Set-Up Assistant

Help Expo vendors load in and set up their booths. Volunteers should be comfortable walking, standing, and lifting up to 20 pounds.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Expo Vendor Tear Down Assistant

Help Expo vendors load out and dismantle booths. Volunteers should be comfortable walking, standing, and lifting up to 20 pounds.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Goodie Bag Stuffing

Assist with stuffing runner goodie bags with flyers and products. No heavy lifting required. Volunteers must be 17 or older. Light breakfast or lunch included.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Expo Greeter

Welcome guests to the Health & Fitness Expo and help guide them to the Runner Services and Packet Pick-Up area. Ideal for friendly, outgoing volunteers who enjoy greeting people with a smile.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Information Booth

Answer questions about all of the races, parking and other logistical information. Knowledge of the marathon and its events is highly recommended. Informational material will be provided for you onsite.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Marathon Shop: Set-Up

Help bring the Marathon Shop to life! This shift includes setting up merchandise displays, organizing gear, and prepping the space for race weekend shoppers. If you love merchandising, being hands-on, and digging into vintage race swag, this one's for you!

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Marathon Shop

Join the fun at the Marathon Shop! We're looking for energetic volunteers to help sell vintage race gear, assist customers with sizes, and support our cashiers at checkout. This role involves standing and moving around the store area—but we're happy to provide seating if needed. If you love retail vibes and chatting with fellow race fans, this is your spot!

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

Marathon Shop: Breakdown

This role involves restacking pallets, breaking down displays, and packing up the Marathon Shop. It's a physical shift that requires heavy lifting.

LOCATION: Huntington Place (formerly TCF Center/Cobo Center), 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226

SATURDAY RACES

Shifts available ONLY on Oct. 17th at Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Set-Up

Help set up the Saturday events.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Gear Check

Collect and organize runners' bags for 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash participants. Ensure bags are sorted in numerical order and help return them to runners after they finish their race.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Course Monitor

This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash race courses. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. Monitors will meet up near the course roughly around 7:30am the day of the race to receive a safety vest, position location, and volunteer jacket. 

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Information Booth

Answer questions about all of the races, parking and other logistical information. Knowledge of the marathon and its events is highly recommended. Informational material will be provided for you onsite.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Medal Distribution

Unpack medals and distribute them to 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash winners.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Food Distribution

Assist with distribution of food and fluids for runners after the 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Start Line Assistant

Before the race starts, help staff separate the start line waves and get runners off on time.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Onsite Packet Pick-Up

Distribute 5K, 1-Mile, Kids Marathon presented by Priority Health, and Meijer Little Detroit Dash bibs onsite before the races.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Parking Ramp Attendant

Help navigate the parking in the ramps.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Absopure Booth

Pass out Absopure water in the Absopure tent at the Saturday Races. Tent is located in the Family Fun Zone.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

Saturday Races: Teardown and Clean-Up

Help pack away the Saturday events.

LOCATION: Milliken State Park

SUNDAY RACES

Shifts available ONLY on Oct. 18th

Start/Finish Line

The Marathon uses a staggered start to help prevent congestion at the Start Line. Runners are assigned to waves prior to the race based on their expected finish time. Start Line volunteers will help separate the waves, assist runners in finding the correct wave, and lead the wave forward at the assigned start time. They will then go to the Finish Line to assist in handing out medals, heatsheets, fluids, and food.

Finish Line

Finish Line Volunteers distribute medals, heatsheets, fluids, and food to runners. You may also help with moving runners through the finish chute to prevent congestion and help with various Finish Line area tasks. Your specific role(s) at the Finish Line will be assigned to you the day of the Marathon.

Course Monitor: U.S. Side

This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the U.S. side of the course on race day. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. In-person orientation meeting required.

U.S. Side Section 1 Downtown Shift #1

Section 1 is identified as the downtown area of the course south of I-75 and west of 375. Monitors assigned to this section will remain in their designated positions until approximately 11:30 a.m. on race day. Those interested in working both Shift 1 and Shift 2 in this section will stay at one location for the duration of the day, so please register for both shifts. When possible, two people will be paired at each location, and volunteers who would like to work with a friend are encouraged to register together.
U.S. Side Section 1 Downtown Shift #2

Section 1 is identified as the downtown area of the course south of I-75 and west of 375. Monitors assigned to this section will remain in their designated positions until approximately 3:15 p.m. on race day. Those interested in working both Shift 1 and Shift 2 in this section will stay at one location for the duration of the day, so please register for both shifts. When possible, two people will be paired at each location, and volunteers who would like to work with a friend are encouraged to register together.
U.S. Side Section 2 Midtown & Woodbridge

Section 2 is identified as all miles north of I-75 and west of Woodward Ave in the Woodbridge and Midtown neighborhoods. Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 1:30 pm on race day. This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the U.S. side of the course on race day. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. In-person orientation meeting required. When possible, two people will be paired at a location. If you would like to be placed with a friend you can register together.
U.S. Side Section 3 Brush Park & Dequindre Cut

Section 3 is identified as the Brush Park, Eastern Market and Dequindre Cut areas of the course. Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 1:30 on race day. This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the U.S. side of the course on race day. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. In-person orientation meeting required. When possible, two people will be paired at a location. If you would like to be placed with a friend you can register together.
U.S. Side Section 4 Lafayette & the Villages Shift #1

Section 4 is identified as the area of the course that is east of 375 including Lafayette and in the Indian Village neighborhood. This shift of Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 11:30 am on race day. Those interested in working both shift 1 and shift 2 in this section will stay in one location for the duration of the day. Please register for both shifts.
U.S. Side Section 4 Lafayette & the Villages Shift #2

Section 4 is identified as the area of the course that is east of 375 including Lafayette and in the Indian Village neighborhood. This shift of Monitors will be in their assigned positions until approximately 2:30 pm on race day. Those interested in working both shift 1 and shift 2 in this section will stay in one location for the duration of the day. Please register for both shifts.
Course Monitor: Canada Side

This key position is responsible for being the eyes and ears of the Ambassador Bridge (Canadian Side) on race day. Monitors observe conditions on the course, including runners, spectators and traffic. Issues that need attention are addressed by the Monitors or reported to the proper race authority for resolution. In-person orientation meeting required.

LOCATION: Canadian Side of the Course

Relay Bus Captains

The Relay Bus Captain will ensure that participants get on the right bus, they have their bib number on and fully displayed, and they are bringing only allowable personal belongings on board. The Relay Bus Captain will ride the bus and help the bus driver with directions to ensure the bus takes the correct route to the relay exchange, and that it returns to bus staging using the correct route once the bus is full with returning participants.

LOCATION: Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St

LOCATION: Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St

LOCATION: Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St

Relay Bus Staging Captains

The Relay Bus Staging Captain will be outside at the bus staging area and ensure participants get on the right bus, they have their bib number on and fully displayed, and they are bringing only allowable personal belongings on board. The Relay Bus Staging Captain does NOT ride the bus.

LOCATION: Randolph St, between E Lafayette and E Fort St 

Relay Exchange

The relay exchange volunteer must maintain the integrity of the relay exchange and surrounding area. This will allow the relay runners to make clean and unobstructed handoffs. You must also keep participants moving through the exchange zone to avoid congestion. You will also provide fluids and heat sheets to finished relay participants.

LOCATION: Washington Blvd and W Lafayette

LOCATION: Midtown - W Warren Ave, between Trumbull and John C Lodge Service Dr

LOCATION: Eastern Market - Russell St, between Alfred and Division

LOCATION: Detroit City Fieldhouse - E Lafayette St and W Mt Elliott St

Relay Reunion

Relay Reunion is the post race tent where relay participants can all meet, relax, and pick up their post event food. The Relay Reunion volunteer will assist with general duties such as organizing and providing food, fluids, heat sheets, and assisting runners if needed. You may also assist at the bus pick-up/drop-off area by directing runners who need a ride to their exchange and those who return from their leg to Relay Reunion.

LOCATION: Between Bates and Cadillac Square

Gear Check

Collect and organize runners' bags before the race, sort them in numerical order, and help return them to runners after they finish.

Weary Wagon

Weary Wagons follow the last runners. We need two volunteers for each 10 person vehicle that includes one driver and one monitor. The monitor will follow the race timeline schedule to help maintain the street reopening schedule coordinated with the Detroit Police. Weary Wagons assist runners who are injured, fatigued, or unable to maintain the required pace based on course reopening timelines. Each vehicle is supplied with water, snacks, and first aid supplies. Monitors will also use radios to provide periodic updates to event officials. This position includes Weary Wagon navigation, runner support, and end-of-race cyclist coordination.

Information Booth

Answer questions about all of the races, parking and other logistical information. Knowledge of the marathon and its events is highly recommended. Informational material will be provided for you onsite.

LOCATION: Lafayette and First

LOCATION: Campus Martius (Conquered Afterparty)

LOCATION: Campus Martius (Conquered Afterparty)

Conquered Afterparty

The position and its responsibilities include answering runners' and spectators' questions, providing directions when needed (a map of the Conquered blueprint will be provided), and being a set of eyes and ears for the Conquered Director, including monitoring and reporting highly congested areas or any potential problems to the director. Possible tasks also include helping runners take advantage of photo opportunities and assisting at a shirt-exchange booth. Volunteers will be positioned in Campus Martius and Cadillac Square throughout the duration of the Conquered After Party.

LOCATION: Campus Martius & Cadillac Square

FLUID & NUTRITION STATIONS

Shifts available ONLY on Oct. 18th

Nutrition Station

This job includes setting up and breaking down a Nutrition Station on the course. Volunteers will help unpack and prepare items, including opening packaging and organizing nutritional treats. During the race, you'll pass these out to runners—cheering them on as you go! You'll report to a station captain for instructions and support. It's a fun, fast-paced role that puts you right in the action!

LOCATION: 2nd Ave and Henry

LOCATION: Wilkins St and Saint Antoine St

Fluid Station

This job includes setting up and breaking down a Fluid Station along the course. Volunteers will prepare and pour water and Gatorade, then hand out fluids to runners as they pass—offering encouragement along the way! You'll work with a station captain to manage tasks and keep things running smoothly. It's a lively, hands-on role that's essential to the runner experience.

LOCATION: W Fort St and 24th St

LOCATION: Jefferson and Woodward

LOCATION: Woodward and Elizabeth

LOCATION: Second Ave and Ledyard

LOCATION: Lincoln and W Forest Ave

LOCATION: Avery and Lysander

LOCATION: Cass Ave and W Canfield

LOCATION: Brush and Winder

LOCATION: Russell St and Alfred *Shed 5*

LOCATION: Dequindre Cut at Gratiot Entrance

LOCATION: Agnes and Townsend

LOCATION: Seminole and Charlevoix *Centennial Garden*

LOCATION: Lafayette and Parker

LOCATION: Lafayette Between Rivard and St Aubin