Detroit, MI---(September 1, 2005)---Motown invites Chi-Town to come run the 28th annual Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon/Half Marathon/Relays on October 23, 2005---with reduced registration fees for Chicago area runners.

Knowing Chicago's hometown marathon closed more than a month ago, Detroit wants to entice those runners looking for a fall marathon to come find out why Detroit has been recognized as the marathon "with the most consistent growth in the past 5 years" - a period in which the marathon experienced an average annual growth rate of 12.9% per year, nearly 7 times the national average growth rate in the sport.

Registration fees increase September 2; however, not for Chi-Town. By registering on-line at www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com between now and September 15, Chicago area runners can save on the top three premiere Detroit events ($15 savings on the marathon, $10 savings on the half, and $50 savings on the 5-person relay). All a runner need do is type in the word "CHICAGO" in the referral code box on the registration page. (** Must have Chicago-area address.)

Detroit offers arguably the most interesting and exciting routes in the world. The course is international - crossing US/Canadian borders twice via the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. The tunnel gives the marathon further boasting rights as having the only underwater international mile in the world. Finisher certificates include an underwater mile split time - allowing runners to brag about how fast they can run underwater. The fact that the 2006 Super Bowl will be held on the same field as the marathon finish is also generating extra excitement for the 2005 race. The course highlights neighborhoods such as Corktown, Mexicantown, Greektown, and Indian Village.

-The Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Bank Marathon presented by Greektown Casino is an annual 26.2-mile road race certified by the USA Track and Field and is a Boston qualifier. The 2005 event marks the 28th year of the event, which was the 20th largest marathon in the USA in 2004. The Marathon features six divisions: marathon (26.2 miles), half-marathon (13.1 miles), Wheelchair and Hand Cycle Competition (26.2 miles), Team Relays (5 person teams - 26.2 miles), and 5K Fun Run and Fitness Walk (3.1 miles).

For more information, visit www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com.