Detroit Marathon Pre & Post-Race Sanctuary at the Fort Pontchartrain Hotel Downtown Presented By 501 Running Club In Partnership With Fleet Feet

501 Running Club is thrilled to continue its long-standing tradition of hosting a pre-race and post-race private "Sanctuary" for runners and spectators coming downtown for the Detroit Free Press Marathon & Half-Marathon in the Grand Ballroom on the Terrace Level of Fort Pontchartrain Hotel. The hotel is located on the corner of Washington Boulevard & Larned Street, a couple of blocks from the Start Line and a short walk from the Finish Line in Campus Martius.

This year's event on October 18th, 2026, is made possible again through a generous partnership with Fleet Feet and support from ON Running. This year, we have partnered with Pryde Athletics, who will provide pre- and post-race recovery tools on site for all runners.

Doors open at 5:15 am, and the room will remain open to all registrants until 3:00 pm.  There will be complimentary coffee, water, and hot tea, with access to hot water for those of you who need your pre-race instant oatmeal! You are welcome to bring whatever pre-race fuel you need. Thanks to Fleet Feet, we’re also able to provide a monitored gear check area inside the room (as in years past, please do not leave any valuables).

The cost is $15.00 per person (non-refundable) for adult runners AND spectators alike. Children under 12 years old are free. Same-day registration will be available IF, and only if, the space is not sold out. If same-day registration is available (again, ONLY IF the space is not sold out), you will be charged a $5.00 late registration fee in addition to the $15.00 registration fee for registering on race morning (Oct. 18).

As in years past, we’re capping capacity to ensure everyone has plenty of room and to avoid an excessively long bathroom line between 6:15 and 6:45 am, before the international racers head to the start line. We will have access to private bathrooms near the Ballroom, as well as additional restrooms located on the ground floor of the hotel. 

Good luck with your training and see you bright and early on Sunday, October 18th!

Note: The Sanctuary is not affiliated with the Detroit Free Press Marathon. A ticketed entry to the Sanctuary does not provide entry to any of the Detroit Free Press Marathon races.