Detroit (WWJ)  -- Organizers of the Free Press Marathon need your help to get to the finish line for this year's race, set for October 19th.  Race director Patricia Ball told WWJ they count on 3,500 volunteers before and during the 26.2 mile race. 

"We have need for course marshalling, which is standing at strategic points along the course and directing the runners to stay on course.  We have need for people to work the registration area at the Health and Fitness Expo on the Friday and Saturday before the marathon...gear check, which is taking the bags of the runners that are filled with their clothes that they're going to want once they cross the finish line," Ball said.

Experience is not necessary, though Ball said they would try to accommodate people who want to work in a particular area. 

Registration is up 47-percent over last year, with lots of people opting for the two- and five-person marathon relays or shorter races.  Race details can be found here.

The 2008 race starts along Washington Boulevard and ends at Campus Martius Park.  Ball notes that the Detroit marathon is still the only one with an underwater international mile.