This is a great race for first-timers and elite athletes! The race is very well-organized, the expo is great, and the course is flat and fast. There are plenty of … MORE
This is a great race for first-timers and elite athletes! The race is very well-organized, the expo is great, and the course is flat and fast. There are plenty of spectators along the way, and you run through many of the unique Indianapolis neighborhoods from downtown to Broad Ripple to Butler to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The weather is typically in the upper 30s at the start but in the mid-50s by the finish, so perfect weather for racing a marathon. There could be rain or snow, but the past few years have been partly cloudy to mostly sunny.
There are plenty of aid stations and inspirational signs along the way (especially at mile 20). Tip: you or someone else can draw a sign at the expo that will be on display at mile 20 – it’s great to see some motivation when you need it the most.
I highly recommend this race – it’s a great one to do whether you’re local or coming from far away!
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Flat, Fast & Fun
This is a great race for first-timers and elite athletes! The race is very well-organized, the expo is great, and the course is flat and fast. There are plenty of … MORE
This is a great race for first-timers and elite athletes! The race is very well-organized, the expo is great, and the course is flat and fast. There are plenty of spectators along the way, and you run through many of the unique Indianapolis neighborhoods from downtown to Broad Ripple to Butler to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. The weather is typically in the upper 30s at the start but in the mid-50s by the finish, so perfect weather for racing a marathon. There could be rain or snow, but the past few years have been partly cloudy to mostly sunny.
There are plenty of aid stations and inspirational signs along the way (especially at mile 20). Tip: you or someone else can draw a sign at the expo that will be on display at mile 20 – it’s great to see some motivation when you need it the most.
I highly recommend this race – it’s a great one to do whether you’re local or coming from far away!
a truly monumental marathon
The Indy Monumental marathon is one I highly recommend. The course is large enough to accommodate the volume of runners (even prior to the half marathon split), runs around some … MORE
The Indy Monumental marathon is one I highly recommend. The course is large enough to accommodate the volume of runners (even prior to the half marathon split), runs around some nice neighborhoods and interesting sights, and allows for you to see landmarks near the finish from a good distance so you can visually see when you are in the final mile. The other runners were friendly, and a few bands play music to cheer you on so running the course is pleasant. Also helps that it is pretty darn flat.
The race management is very good. At the last minute, President Trump decided to stay at a hotel within a block of the finish line on race day and information regarding additional street closures and updates were professionally and promptly dispersed to runners.
The race t-shirt was printed in the colors of the Indianapolis flag & in my opinion was a bit ugly & gaudy. The beanie cap they hand out at the finish line was nice & they had a lot of nice race swag for sale at the expo.
I might be biased as I PR’d, but with the great course and great running weather at that time of year, its a race I highly recommend.
My favorite race in the US so far
This was my 26th full marathon. I trained my butt off in the summer in Central Florida for the Berlin Marathon with the hopes to BQ and race day was … MORE
This was my 26th full marathon. I trained my butt off in the summer in Central Florida for the Berlin Marathon with the hopes to BQ and race day was a disaster, so as soon as I got home, I registered for this… then 5 days later, they changed the qualifying times again and I said, “you know what? Go enjoy it and get another state on your list.”
I…LOVED…THIS…RACE! I loved it. As a Midwesterner who’s been in Florida for the past 13 years, it was so nice to be back to “autumn.” I know that race directors have no control over the weather but it was absolutely perfect: I think that it was in the upper 30ºs F at the race start. The sun was shining, the leaves were changing, the neighbors were out cheering us on. I had a blast. I started with the 3:45 pacer and had to use the portapotty (even though I did less than an hour before the start) and I could not catch back up to him. Oh well. I still PR’d by a whole 11 seconds, but I loved the course and a PR is a PR.
The expo was very nice. Lots of vendors. Lots of small “mom & pop” boutique-y type of vendors which I always like to see. Unfortunately, I flew in and flew out with a carry-on bag only so I couldn’t get a lot. I did get the poster, though, and it was weird because my sisters did not run this race but all 3 of our names were on the poster and printed – not alphabetically – but in the order in which we were born. I thought that was awesome.
I was fortunate to get an Air BnB close enough to the start and finish so I walked there in the morning and was pleased to see that there were plenty of portapotties and the nice warm hotel lobby to sit in while we waited for the start. I was positioned in corral A but made my way back to B because I could tell that I was not where I should have been.
The water stops were well-stocked and well-manned. I loved the “rolling hills” (for a Florida girl, all hills are rolling hills.) It was just such a beautiful course. I wish that I would have written this sooner but I’m sure that I would have been gushing even more about it. I was so happy that there were a lot of marathoners on the course – I hate lonely marathons. Oh! Such a good race. I tell all of my friends that they need to run this one. It might not be glamorous like NYC, Vegas, or Chicago but if you actually want to accomplish a goal, Indy is the place to do it. Bravo and well-done race directors!
P.S. I love my hat and I get a lot of compliments on the star on the sleeve of the shirt (as if I designed it. ☺)
THE Indianapolis race to run
The fact I stay up until midnight every New Year’s Eve to register is proof enough!!! There’s no negotiation when scheduling fall races...this one has to fit into the schedule!! … MORE
The fact I stay up until midnight every New Year’s Eve to register is proof enough!!! There’s no negotiation when scheduling fall races…this one has to fit into the schedule!! The race is very well organized and the course is MUCH better than that “other” Indpls race. They have added corrals which was my only complaint in the past. Volunteers are awesome and course support is there. I think the nicest touch this year was I had a gentleman congratulate me at the finish line…to find out it was the race founder. Where else do you find that??? DON’T MISS THIS RACE!!!
Best place to PR!!
I earned nearly a 9.5 minute PR running this race (previous at Chicago) & qualified for Boston with their new standard times this year. Monumental is a phenomenal race! I … MORE
I earned nearly a 9.5 minute PR running this race (previous at Chicago) & qualified for Boston with their new standard times this year. Monumental is a phenomenal race! I have done both the half and full now and both races show off the best parts of Indianapolis. It is the perfect time of year to race in Indiana as well. 2016 & 2018 both had dream weather in my book. A few small hills here & there but mostly flat. Very accurate pacing group that I ran with for the first 15 miles. November 3, 2018 couldn’t have been better!
One of my favorite races so far!
It’s the best race to run! There’s sooo much support along the race. Everyone who ran the race was so nice and friendly. The aid stations were great. Everything was … MORE
It’s the best race to run! There’s sooo much support along the race. Everyone who ran the race was so nice and friendly. The aid stations were great. Everything was mapped out and organized properly! The water and Gatorade was good. I loved my medal! I will be back next year to get another PR!!!
Easy and Fun and First Time Friendly
This is a fast and flat course. Well manned with great support frequently throughout (water, snacks, medical). The start is smooth sailing. Lots of time to complete the race which … MORE
This is a fast and flat course. Well manned with great support frequently throughout (water, snacks, medical). The start is smooth sailing. Lots of time to complete the race which is nice for slow pokes like myself. Needs more restrooms along the course. I always find that tricky. I’ve ran this marathon many times and it holds up to the several others I’ve ran out of state. Scenery is nice, but certain spots are a bit boring. I have always have people around me, so it’s nice to not be left alone at any point. Great pacer teams. If you are new to marathons this would be a great option.
Very well run! Love it!
The course is pretty flat. The weather is usually comfortable this time of the year (40s-50s) The race is very well organized and they take good care of you during … MORE
The course is pretty flat. The weather is usually comfortable this time of the year (40s-50s) The race is very well organized and they take good care of you during and after the race. I would do this one every year if I could.
Faster than Chicago
I have run the full marathon 2 times and both of my runs in Indy were faster than at Chicago the same year! This is a well run event, with … MORE
I have run the full marathon 2 times and both of my runs in Indy were faster than at Chicago the same year! This is a well run event, with easy in and out of Indy. I highly recommend the Indy Monumental marathon to everyone!
“Bucket list” to bucket regular
I signed up for this race as a bucket list item. I wanted to run a full marathon before I have children. I signed up on NYE as the clock … MORE
I signed up for this race as a bucket list item. I wanted to run a full marathon before I have children. I signed up on NYE as the clock struck midnight. The marathon is simply amazing. The feel of downtown Indy the morning of the race is electric. The people that line the streets of Indy just to cheer you on give you the boost of confidence that you will finish the race. No one is a quitter when it comes to the Monumental. Everyone is a runner. No one is too slow or not good enough.
My favorite half!
This was my PR half and due to age and injury, probably my last race at this distance. I love everything from the expo, to the course, to the finish … MORE
This was my PR half and due to age and injury, probably my last race at this distance. I love everything from the expo, to the course, to the finish line. I loved finishing alongside the marathoners. Love winding through the local neighborhoods. This is a class production and a speedy course. Definitely recommend!
Perfect race to BQ!
I have run this race 5 or 6 years. A couple with the half and then the rest running the Full Marathon. Every year I chose to race (as opposed … MORE
I have run this race 5 or 6 years. A couple with the half and then the rest running the Full Marathon. Every year I chose to race (as opposed to pacing someone etc) I Boston qualified! I am 44 and LOVE this race! It is my favorite hands down! It was my very first marathon in 2015 and I BQ’ed!!!!!! The course support is amazing as well as the organization. For the first time in 2018 I stayed around a pace group the last 8 miles. There encouragement and support there was phenomenal. They helped me race smart!
Great flat course that is well organized
Organizers continue to improve the race with each year. They have added a lot of crowd support to the back half of the course. Super flat. Only issue is with … MORE
Organizers continue to improve the race with each year. They have added a lot of crowd support to the back half of the course. Super flat. Only issue is with street conditions on part of the course. Potholes galore, but some streets had been paved since the year before.
Definitely a BQ Qualifier
This was my 2nd overall marathon and I run 9 over the last 4 years! It is dear to my heart as it holds my PR! Perfect weather and a … MORE
This was my 2nd overall marathon and I run 9 over the last 4 years! It is dear to my heart as it holds my PR! Perfect weather and a flat course and to top it off, my home town. It’s very well organized, excellent swag and a must DO!
Great race to snag a PR
The weather was perfect! The course is nice and flat. There are parts of the road that need some TLC, I witnessed a few people tripping on potholes. The crowd … MORE
The weather was perfect! The course is nice and flat. There are parts of the road that need some TLC, I witnessed a few people tripping on potholes. The crowd support is great and kept me motivated! The course has a nice layout and my family was able to find me in several different spots along the course. It was a great race and I’d highly recommend it.
My favorite marathon!
This is by far my favorite marathon to date! I've ran for the last two years and plan on running this year as well! Look forward to it! The course … MORE
This is by far my favorite marathon to date! I’ve ran for the last two years and plan on running this year as well! Look forward to it! The course is beautiful, the medal never disappoints, and all the support is wonderful! Parking and lodging are a breeze as well!
Fast
Una de las rutas mas rápidas que he utilizado para maratón. El clima muy favorecedor y pese a que tuve inconvenientes de salud, fue muy llevadero el tramo para llegar … MORE
Una de las rutas mas rápidas que he utilizado para maratón. El clima muy favorecedor y pese a que tuve inconvenientes de salud, fue muy llevadero el tramo para llegar al final.
Great race, easy course!
Love this race! Always a good time, great spectators that make for a fun experience the whole time! Flat, easy course! I have done this with and with out a … MORE
Love this race! Always a good time, great spectators that make for a fun experience the whole time! Flat, easy course! I have done this with and with out a pace group but definitely the most movitating and fun pace groups if you need that extra push.
Kids EVERYWHERE
I have done the half twice before and loved it. I decide to just do the 5k in 2018 because I was registered for a marathon and just needed to … MORE
I have done the half twice before and loved it. I decide to just do the 5k in 2018 because I was registered for a marathon and just needed to get some miles in. Off we went at the start, within minutes there were kids everywhere running, walking, stopping, pushing and shoving to get past Wakers and runners. I personally saw 5 adults get knocked in to and hit the the ground. Absolutely kids should be involved in running. However, they need to be taught some race etiquette along with the adults that are running/mentoring them. Perhaps have them start at least 5-10 minutes after the 5k starts to help eliminate some of the issues I mentioned. Having said that still a great race.
Great course with awesome support
I ran the marathon twice, and both times had a good amount of crowd support cheering runners on at every leg of the scenic course. The route through Indianapolis gave … MORE
I ran the marathon twice, and both times had a good amount of crowd support cheering runners on at every leg of the scenic course. The route through Indianapolis gave me a new appreciation for the city.