Detroit Free Press Marathon 2026: Ambassador Bridge and Tunnel closures
The Detroit Free Press Marathon’s international course crosses the border twice: runners go over the Ambassador Bridge into Windsor and come back to Detroit through the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel. That changes traffic at both crossings on Sunday morning.
The short version
- When: Sunday, October 18, 2026. The marathon and International Half start at 7:00 AM.
- Detroit–Windsor Tunnel: closed to vehicles from about 6:15 AM to about 10:15 AM (the race FAQ says up to 10:30 AM).
- Ambassador Bridge: open but restricted. Two-way traffic shares one side while runners use the other; expect delays.
- Gordie Howe Bridge: no race-day closure announced. It is the crossing to use that morning.
- Tunnel bus: The Linq says its regular service resumes at 1 PM.
Wait times right now
| Crossing | To Detroit (CBP) | To Windsor (CBSA) |
|---|---|---|
| Gordie Howe Bridge | No delay | No delay |
| Ambassador Bridge | No delay | No delay |
| Detroit-Windsor Tunnel | No delay | No delay |
Official figures as of 3:58 AM ET. They refresh every few minutes on the live page, which also has driver reports.
If you are driving across on race morning
Plan on the Gordie Howe Bridge until the Tunnel reopens: it connects Highway 401 to I-75 with no city streets, so marathon closures in downtown Detroit do not touch it. The Ambassador Bridge stays open on one side, but lanes are reduced and runners are on the bridge, so expect it to be slow. Downtown Detroit streets along the course are closed through the morning; the race’s getting downtown page lists them. Check the forecast for a normal Sunday, then add time.
If you are running the international course
- Carry an accepted document on the course: a passport, U.S. passport card, enhanced driver’s licence or a trusted traveller card such as NEXUS. A REAL ID licence is not accepted. Our ID guide has the details.
- Pick up your packet in person at the Health & Fitness Expo at Huntington Place on October 16 or 17, with your document. There is no race-day pickup.
- A past impaired-driving conviction can make you inadmissible to Canada. If that applies, the race tells runners to check with CBSA and CBP well before race day.
- Coming from Windsor, The Linq runs a runners’ bus to the start in the early morning; see The Linq for times.
After the race
Expect heavier Windsor-bound traffic once the Tunnel reopens in late morning, as spectators and runners head home. CBSA’s Canada-bound figure can lag behind the real line, so check the driver reports on the Tunnel page before you pick a crossing.
Common questions
Is the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel closed for the Detroit marathon?
Yes. On Sunday, October 18, 2026 the Tunnel is closed to vehicles from about 6:15 AM until about 10:15 AM while runners come back through it; the race FAQ says it may be closer to 10:30 AM.
Is the Ambassador Bridge closed for the Detroit marathon?
Not fully. On race morning traffic is restricted: two-way traffic shares one side of the bridge while runners use the other, with a buffer lane between them. Expect delays.
Which crossing should I use on Detroit marathon morning?
The Gordie Howe International Bridge. No race-day closure has been announced there, while the Tunnel is closed until mid-morning and the Ambassador Bridge is down to one side.
Do Detroit marathon runners need a passport?
International-course runners need a document accepted for crossing by land: a passport, a U.S. passport card, an enhanced driver’s licence or a trusted traveller card such as NEXUS. A REAL ID licence is not enough. Runners carry the document on the course and must show it to pick up their race packet at the expo.
When is the 2026 Detroit Free Press Marathon?
Race weekend is October 16 to 18, 2026. The marathon and the International Half Marathon start at 7:00 AM on Sunday, October 18.
Official sources
- Detroit Free Press Marathon: getting downtown and road closures, FAQ and documents for international runners
- Detroit–Windsor Tunnel: news and updates
Times are the race organizer’s estimates and can change on the day. This site is independent and not affiliated with the race or any crossing operator.