Women's Cross Country 10.18.26

Sherman Wins Detroit Free Press Marathon

Women's Cross Country 10.18.26

Sherman Wins Detroit Free Press Marathon

DETROIT (10/18/2026) -- It was a victorious end to a weekend of running for Titan harriers as former University of Detroit Mercy women's cross country and track and field standout Allison Sherman '23 won the 49th Detroit Free Press Marathon on Sunday.

Sherman crossed the finish line in 2:43:29, becoming the first Titan to win the historic hometown event.

"It was an amazing feeling," said Sherman. "The team was down there cheering me on. One of my teammates, Kaitlyn Murray '23, was there supporting me. It was awesome to see the Detroit Mercy community out there and cheering me on."

The team was there because the Titans volunteer at the marathon every year as part of a program tradition. Sherman herself volunteered for years as a student-athlete and remembers what it was like then, and now, looking back after winning the marathon today.

"Never would have imagined it. I remember my freshman year, we were down there just cheering on all those runners, and now I have completed multiple marathons myself. I never would have thought I would be in a position to win the marathon in my hometown, where I went to school, and represent the college wearing my jersey; it is truly amazing."

Sherman earned All-Horizon League four times as a Titan, twice First Team and twice Second Team, and was runner-up at the 2022 Horizon League Championship. In track and field, she holds the school record in the 10,000 meters and scored multiple times at league meets.

"The goal was to run as fast as possible, and unfortunately it wasn't my PR," said Sherman. "I was lucky enough to train a lot this summer with former teammate Kayla Hughes '20, and we got up early a lot of mornings. We did workouts and runs together, and I knew I had good fitness. A few weeks ago, I got a text saying I was one of the top seeds and to be ready to compete. The past two weeks, I have been thinking about how to put myself in the best possible position. I went out fast, and it was painful in the end, but definitely worth it. All the workouts and early-morning training were worth it to cross the finish line first," added Sherman.

Sherman had a solid plan, was ready for the event, and even got encouragement from a former marathon winner.

"From the start, I started with Sydney Bowman, a good friend," said Sherman. "She was running the half and asked if we wanted to run together, and it was a good pace. When the bikers came up, she was like, 'They are here for you; you are the top woman,' and for her to be there next to me, coaching me and being supportive, and telling me to fight to the end because there is no competition to win it, and that's when I realized, wow, I am in the lead, and I need to keep pushing."

As Sherman kept her pace, she saw the finish line in sight, a moment she will always remember.

"My parents were down there at the finish line, and I got to see them first and then my fiancé Jacob and his parents," said Sherman. "They were all in the warming tent with me. My sister came after she ran the half, her first marathon, and she finished just before I did and was in the corral when they announced I had won it, so she came right over."

"My parents, they were really proud. My dad spent lots of runs on the bike next to me. Having him next to me meant so much, and so did having my whole family there. They saw me on vacations, got up early to run, and always accommodated my running. I know they were extremely proud."

Up next for Sherman will be the New York City Marathon in two weeks on Nov. 1.

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University of Detroit Mercy Athletics