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Each week, the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon chooses a runner to spotlight as the New Balance Runner of the Week. Whether you’re training for a full marathon, going out on the weekend for a long run or getting back into the swing of running, the race loves to showcase its runners.

The marathon is proud to partner with the following sponsors: New Balance, the Official footwear and apparel sponsor of the Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon. The Stick, a self-massage tool helping runners recover since 1988, will be sending each winner a Sprinter Stick.

Want to be the runner of the week or know someone who should be? Tag your pictures with #freepmarathon and #runneroftheweek on social media for a chance to be featured.

More: Reduced pricing now available for the Detroit Free Press/TCF Marathon

More: Free Press marathon New Balance runner of the week: Emma McMahon

Andrew Barnhart

Location: Reading.

Age: 63.

How long you’ve been racing: Twenty-six years.

Your story: I was in high school in 1972 when Frank Shorter won the gold medal in the Munich Olympics. I thought it was something I always wanted to try. Then in ’77, I was getting ready to run in my first Chicago marathon, I hurt my back and spent two months in the University of Michigan hospital. But 1991 or ’92, I started working out. Then I got a racing chair. … In 1993, I competed in my first Detroit marathon (Andrew has started in 24 Detroit marathons and completed 22, both believed to be records for the push rim wheelchair division). 

A big part of my effort is just getting to the starting line. Once the gun goes off, I’m in control.  

How many miles you put in per week: I peddle an exercise bike with my arms and do 10 miles a day. Just put Mile No. 35,000 on it this week.

Favorite workout song: “Go the Distance” by Michael Bolton.

Favorite post-workout snack: Clif Bar with almond milk.

Best piece of training advice: It is better to be under-trained than over-trained!

Are you planning on participating in any Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank events in 2019? All 26.2 miles of the marathon.

Follow Andrew on Facebook.

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