City of Windsor and Partners Plan Local “Line the Drive” Celebrations in Support of Detroit International Free Press Marathon
The City of Windsor is gearing up to join in the excitement of the Detroit International Free Press Marathon (DFPM) set to take place from October 18 to 20, 2024. One of the few truly international marathon courses in the world, the event attracts racers from across the globe. The racecourse showcases iconic and historic neighbourhoods in Detroit and includes crossings between Canada and the United States (US) via the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, as well as a stretch along Windsor’s waterfront.
As with Windsor’s National Football League (NFL) Draft Party this past spring, the DFPM provides another opportunity to showcase Windsor as a tourist destination with a passion for healthy competition, unforgettable experiences, and an electric and infectious community spirit. As with all major events in Detroit, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI) representatives anticipate hotel rooms in Windsor’s downtown core will be fully booked, with the influx of visitors expected to generate substantial economic benefits for the region while promoting downtown Windsor as a vibrant hub for event attraction.
To join in the excitement, the City of Windsor is partnering with the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA), Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island (TWEPI), the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel, AM800 CKLW, the City’s Strengthen the Core team, and local businesses and stakeholders in the city’s downtown core. In support for our neighbours to the north, the City is set to host an array of local activities and events the weekend of the big race, bringing the excitement of the DFPM to Windsor while providing opportunities for Windsorites to “Line the Drive” to cheer on the 26,000 runners from 43 countries, including 4,000 Canadians, competing in the race this year.
The line-up of weekend activities includes the weekly farmers’ market, a spooky charitable community walk, cheer zones, and more:
Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market
Saturday, October 19, 2024; 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
At the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market, an exciting array of locally sourced farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, and irresistible artisanal food products await! Stroll through bustling stalls filled with handcrafted goods, unique local arts, and one-of-a-kind crafts from talented vendors. With lively community booths, captivating entertainment, and special events, the market pulses with energy, creating a fun, family-friendly atmosphere that brings the entire community together to celebrate the best Windsor has to offer!
Windsor Zombie Walk
Saturday, October 19, 2024; Gather at 4:30 p.m.; Walk begins at 6:00 p.m.
The Windsor Zombie Walk is a fun and free event that takes place each year, with the zombie-themed walk providing support for vulnerable residents, specifically through the Downtown Mission. Participants are encouraged to donate what they can, be it monetary or canned or dry goods for those in need. Participants will gather at 4:30 p.m. at the north-east corner of Tuscarora Street and Ouellette Avenue. The zombie horde leaves at 6:00 p.m. accompanied by floats and a grand marshal to create a Zombie Parade in downtown Windsor.
“Line the Drive” for the Detroit International Free Press Marathon
Three Cheer Zone locations along the route or anywhere on Riverside Drive
Sunday, October 20, 2024; 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Canadian Cheer Zone presented by BIO STEEL will be located in the Vision Corridor alongside the Chimczuk Museum/Art Windsor-Essex gallery at Riverside Drive. The site will include the BIO STEEL Tour Bus display and product giveaway, where spectators can get their Canadian flag and join with the NorthStar Cheer team to salute the runners.
The Riverside Keg Canadian Cheer Zone presented by The Keg Steakhouse + Bar Patio will be located at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar – Windsor Riverside at 1 Riverside Drive West near Ouellette Avenue, and will include a “Patio Party” with breakfast menu, and a cheer section with Canadian flags and the NorthStar Cheer team.
The Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Cheer Zone presented by Windsor-Detroit Tunnel and the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County will be located on Park Street across from the Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Customs Exit. Tunnel representatives will host this exciting activation area. The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County will be on site with 40 flags representing 40 countries of origin connected to registered racers, along with commentary from local running community leaders Dave Orshinsky and Gary Belanger, and the NorthStar Cheer team leading the Final Mile Tunnel salute.
For the race next year in 2025, the City of Windsor plans to once again partner with the DWBIA and downtown stakeholders while including a celebratory event component for the new Civic Esplanade at the City Hall Campus.
Tunnel Closure Notice – Please note that, as part of this event, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel will be closed on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The tunnel will reopen to normal operations at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024.
Strengthen the Core – The “Line the Drive” celebrations in the downtown core are the latest initiative connected to the City’s Strengthen the Core: Downtown Windsor Revitalization Plan (STC), which launched in April to address safety, security, and cleanliness downtown while implementing measures and supporting activations to encourage new residents, businesses, and investments in the city’s core.
Included in STC’s seven initial action items are Action Item 4 – Place-Making, which seeks to encourage people and businesses to move downtown by investing in infrastructure and initiatives; and Action item 5 – Vibrant District, which creates vibrancy by attracting and engaging residents and visitors with unique amenities, gathering spaces, and engagement opportunities. This latest initiative also supports recommendations in the Windsor Works economic development strategy, which highlighted the benefits of Windsor working more closely with the City of Detroit.
For up-to-date information, including an interactive route map, on Windsor’s “Line the Drive” event in support of the Detroit International Free Press Marathon, check out www.VisitWindsorEssex.com/marathon.