Event Description

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 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 close walk from the Finish Line in Campus Martius.

This year's event on October 20, 2024 is once again made possible due to generous partnership with Fleet Feet, and supported by ON Running and Therabody. We are thrilled to share that Therabody is back this year to provide pre- and post-race recovery tools for all runners. 

Doors open at 5:15am, and the room will remain open to all registrants until 3:00pm.  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 monitored gear check area inside the room (as in years past, please do not leave any valuables).

Cost is $15.00 per person (non-refundable) for adult runners AND spectators alike. Children under 12 years old are free. As in the years past, we’re capping the capacity to ensure that everyone has plenty of room, and to avoid creating too long a bathroom line between 6:15am - 6:45am before the international racers head to the start line.  We will have access to private bathrooms near the Ballroom, as well as access to additional restrooms on the ground floor of the hotel.

Good luck with your training and see you bright & early on the 20th of October!

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.