DETROIT — Andy Bowman of Ferndale, Michigan, rewrote the record books at the 49th Annual Detroit Free Press Marathon on Sunday, posting an unofficial time of 2:12:11. The performance shattered the 46‑year‑old course record of 2:13:07 set by Grand Rapids native Greg Meyer in 1980, improving the mark by 56 seconds.
Bowman’s victory marks his third straight men’s title, joining only Doug Kurtis, who won six consecutive marathons from 1987 to 1992. He averaged a 5:02‑per‑mile pace over the 26.2‑mile route that traverses the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit‑Windsor Tunnel, finishing more than six minutes ahead of second‑place finisher Ross Roberson of Zionsville, Indiana.
Family celebration at the finish
The win was a family affair. Bowman’s wife, Sydney Devore‑Bowman, a former Detroit Marathon champion and Olympic Trials qualifier, competed in the International Half‑Marathon, finishing fourth among women with a time of 1:18:26. She met her husband at the finish line, where Bowman said, “You’re still running to your wife, your son, and your family, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Bowman’s record‑breaking effort also qualifies him for the 2028 Olympic Trials, the first time a Detroit Marathon runner has met the Olympic qualifying standard on the course.
Women’s race and other results
In the women’s marathon, Allison Sherman of Lake Orion, Michigan, won in 2:43:31, shaving nearly six minutes off her personal best. Dianne Fisher of Rocky River, Ohio, placed second in 2:48:26, and University of Michigan law student Mary Heinen finished third in 2:49:51 in her marathon debut.
The International Half‑Marathon saw JP Flavin of Rochester Hills, Michigan, claim the men’s title in 1:03:49, while Rochester Hills native Megan O’Neil won the women’s race in 1:14:54.
Race director’s remarks
Race director Aaron Velthoven praised Bowman’s achievement, noting, “Greg Meyer’s record has stood for 46 years, and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather see break it than Andy. He’s a Detroit‑area runner who has made this race his own, and doing it with his wife and son there to meet him makes it even more special.”
The Detroit Free Press Marathon, named USA Today Readers’ Choice Best Marathon in 2024 and 2025, remains the largest race in Michigan and the only marathon in the world to cross two international borders and include an underwater mile. The event will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, with registration now open for the inaugural spring Motor City Half Marathon.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
