The Ferndale couple wins first place in the Detroit Free Press Marathon

Thousands of runners made their way through the Motor City for the Detroit Free Press Marathon.

Sunday’s races broke records for both runners and marathons.

Just before 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 20, 2024, the Adaptive Athletes Division started its race, followed by the first wave of marathon runners at the starting line near Fort Street and Second Avenue.

Runners traveled around the world for international races, cruising between Windsor and Detroit.

“We had over 26,000 participants – a sold-out event this weekend,” said Aaron Velthoven, vice president and race director.

Also for the first time, elite runners who had to qualify took part in the half and full marathons. The first place winners in the men’s and women’s full marathon went to a couple who live in Ferndale.

Andrew Bowman celebrated an amazing performance, but the victory wouldn’t be complete without his other half.

“If she can do that – I mean, she continues to be my inspiration. “I mean, that’s why I married her,” he said.

“We both came here with the intention of being the couple that wins two cities,” Bowman said.

The couple won the Pittsburg Marathon in May. He didn’t have to wait long before she crossed the finish line too.

“For the last four miles I thought, ‘He’s waiting for you.’ “He’s waiting for you,” Sydney Devore said. “As I came around the corner, I felt like I was going to cry.”

As the runners set off, their loved ones and friends cheered them on.

“Seeing other people just being supportive — even if they know the person running — just always being encouraging,” Bernadette Skodack said.

There’s something about the energy of the city that fires you up. Local hero Priya Mann ran her first international half marathon.

“When you turn the corner and you see the sun shining and you hear those screams and screams – it just nourishes you and it’s so warm,” Mann said.

But look at this, she said, pointing to her medal.

“Isn’t that the best? “Isn’t that the best?” she said.