| 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | |
| H (°F) | 39 | 55 | 55 | 58 | 51 |
| L (°F) | 29 | 30 | 41 | 32 | 32 |
| Powered by Dark Sky | |||||
People aren't kidding when they tell you Indy is flat. Fun starting and ending in downtown. Very congested at the beginning of the race and took about 1 mile before … MORE
People aren’t kidding when they tell you Indy is flat. Fun starting and ending in downtown. Very congested at the beginning of the race and took about 1 mile before it opened up. Nice cap, but the technical shirt is rather tacky with weird dimensions.
Please login to reply to this review.
Expo was setup well (stayed to listen to Noah Droddy and enjoyed his talk.) Communication from event organizers was stellar. Decent course minus the potholes. Aid stations spaced out great. … MORE
Expo was setup well (stayed to listen to Noah Droddy and enjoyed his talk.) Communication from event organizers was stellar. Decent course minus the potholes. Aid stations spaced out great. Not too many, not too few. Parking, and getting in & out, was a breeze if you planned ahead. Large selection of restaurant/bar options within walking distance of finish. Friendly volunteers. Crowd support was very sparse, but the few spectators out cheering were fantastic. Half-Marathon was crowded from beginning to end. Spent a bit of energy weaving around slower runners that went out too fast or didn’t train well. This was from mile 7 all the way to the finish. The weather this year was absolutely perfect.
Please login to reply to this review.
I run this race every year. Parking is easy, crowds are manageable. The city and spectators are runner-friendly. Indy is a beautiful city. The course is nice and flat. Running … MORE
I run this race every year. Parking is easy, crowds are manageable. The city and spectators are runner-friendly. Indy is a beautiful city. The course is nice and flat. Running the final mile towards Monument Circle is memorable. I would recommend to anyone!
Please login to reply to this review.
I loved this Half Marathon for a lot of reasons - well organized, cool weather, flat, scenic for an urban race, greet on course support, and a classy medal series … MORE
I loved this Half Marathon for a lot of reasons – well organized, cool weather, flat, scenic for an urban race, greet on course support, and a classy medal series so I am rewarded for coming back each year ( 4 medals, 2018-2021, will make up a cool collage that I can frame together).
Please login to reply to this review.
If you're looking for a flat, fast, BQ-er, then Indy is your race course! But....if you're a grinder like Slow Juan who enjoys friendly people, Autumn colors, beautiful neighborhoods, historical … MORE
If you’re looking for a flat, fast, BQ-er, then Indy is your race course! But….if you’re a grinder like Slow Juan who enjoys friendly people, Autumn colors, beautiful neighborhoods, historical monuments, public gardens and museums, then this just might be your race as well. Monumental is a “biggie,” but a “goodie.” The logistics at the Start this year were even more monumental, as President Trump and VP Pence were staying in the Marriott hotel, not two blocks from the starting line. The excitement, congestion and police support were huuuuuge! The course itself is a pleasant mosaic of monuments, memorials, beautiful homes and the grounds of the Fairbanks Art Nature Park. I particularly appreciated and enjoyed the series of “Burma Shave” styled placards of Indiana trivia that stretched for over a mile beginning around M18. Miles fly when you’re having fun.
For the “brewies” out there; some great choices with Daredevil (near the Speedway), Sun King and Metazoa brewing. Check any or all of ’em all out, but pace yourself.
Final Word: Put the Monumental Marathon on your “to-do” list and don’t forget ……..Hoosier Daddy?!?
Please login to reply to this review.
Well organized and very large race - had a blast exploring a great sampling of the city - my first time in Indy. Multiple water stations and lots of different … MORE
Well organized and very large race – had a blast exploring a great sampling of the city – my first time in Indy. Multiple water stations and lots of different neighborhoods had music/candy/drinks etc – made for great energy on race day.
Please login to reply to this review.
The course starts and ends in downtown Indianapolis, going past Lucas Oil Stadium and through Monument Circle, though the course outside of downtown was less interesting. It's almost completely flat, … MORE
The course starts and ends in downtown Indianapolis, going past Lucas Oil Stadium and through Monument Circle, though the course outside of downtown was less interesting. It’s almost completely flat, with plenty of aid stations along the way. My only real complaint is that the Gatorade was mixed a little too strong. 🙂
Please login to reply to this review.
Packet pickup and expo were easy and well-attended. The Start and finish line experiences were top-notch and support was great in between. The scenery for this type of race was … MORE
Packet pickup and expo were easy and well-attended. The Start and finish line experiences were top-notch and support was great in between.
The scenery for this type of race was awesome. Beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods resplendent in their fall colors. A thriving downtown district. Parks, school campuses, all with gorgeous color. Autumn peak hit the nail on the head his year.
Never in 26.2 miles did I feel alone on the course, and there was really only minor congestion for the first .5 to .75 miles.
Please login to reply to this review.
This is my 3rd time running the marathon and it's my go-to race. Lots of fan support along the way, great aid stations that are plentiful along the way ... … MORE
This is my 3rd time running the marathon and it’s my go-to race. Lots of fan support along the way, great aid stations that are plentiful along the way … honestly, this was the fastest 5 hours and I can’t wait to register for next year. The marathon registration has sold out the past several years and it’s a BQ-race. The Full and Half start together in a series of waves, then split off around mile 7. Lots of great scenery throughout Indianapolis – course runs through older neighborhoods, by the governor’s mansion, through Butler University’s campus, and the grounds of the Newfields Art Museum. There is also a 5k that starts after the Full/Half runners take off.
Please login to reply to this review.
It was a great flat course. The weather was chilly but it helped my performance! I would run it again...maybe next year I will run the full! MORE
It was a great flat course. The weather was chilly but it helped my performance! I would run it again…maybe next year I will run the full!
Please login to reply to this review.
There were a couple of aid stations that were and It was a beautiful course in the miles really flew by. It was relatively flat so it was very easy. … MORE
There were a couple of aid stations that were and It was a beautiful course in the miles really flew by. It was relatively flat so it was very easy. Indiana roads are pretty crummy and there were a lot of people tripping on the potholes. It was very crowded and out times we are down to a very narrow lanes. I think that the overcrowding Mixed with the bottlenecking caused some time. There were a couple of aid stations that were and some of those bottleneck areas in the beginning it probably could’ve been moved forward or backwards to allow it to run more smoothly. Overall it was a really awesome Race and I will be happy to do it again. some of those bottleneck areas in the beginning it probably could’ve been moved forward or backwards to allow it to run more smoothly. Overall it was a really awesome Race and I will be happy to do it again.
Please login to reply to this review.
This race was well organized and flat as advertised. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was the ideal set up for a PR if it hadn't been for … MORE
This race was well organized and flat as advertised. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. It was the ideal set up for a PR if it hadn’t been for its two major downsides: an overcrowded course and some of the worst roads I have ever run on.
I went in with an injury and wasn’t expecting a PR, but the conditions exasperated the situation. About 3 miles in, the course was funneled into 2 small lanes as we went under a bridge. A girl running too close to me (everyone was too close) tripped in a pothole and grabbed my arm as she fell. Though I managed to stay upright, I felt my injured quad pull again and it bothered me the rest of the race. About 10 miles in, I had my own road incident and narrowly escaped a race ending ankle injury. After that, I spent entirely too much energy just trying to avoid the ruts and holes in the road while running in the one banked lane we were given. I couldn’t really enjoy the monuments and sites because I was afraid to look up, but I hear it is a scenic and beautiful course.
On a bright note, the finish was well organized, the water stops were well stocked and frequent and the downtown location made for easy access from any downtown hotel. We were also allowed to use the local YMCA to take a shower before our 3 hour drive home and that was a huge perk since our hotel did not have a late check out. This was some very good forethought on the part of the race and was much appreciated.
Overall, I do recommend the race, but will not personally be back unless Indianapolis decides to take on a few repaving projects. I’m just not that coordinated 😊
Please login to reply to this review.
This is a great event. It’s very large and the crowds are huge. It’s a great flat course with tons of aid and water stations. Everyone was very nice and … MORE
This is a great event. It’s very large and the crowds are huge. It’s a great flat course with tons of aid and water stations. Everyone was very nice and helpful and I had a good run! It’s a very crowded course so there’s a lot of dodging people the entire time. I definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about it for next year.
Please login to reply to this review.
The Monumental Marathon is a really well put together event. Even though it's the 19th largest marathon in the US, it didn't feel that big. The expo is nice, lots … MORE
The Monumental Marathon is a really well put together event. Even though it’s the 19th largest marathon in the US, it didn’t feel that big. The expo is nice, lots of other races were there with discounts. Race morning I experienced a little confusion as to where exactly the start line was, but that’s probably my own fault for not reviewing the course beforehand. Race started on time, and the course was fast. I am not a fast runner, by any means, but the miles flew by. It is probably the flattest race I have ever run, and the after party is great. The medals were really nice, finishers gear for purchase at the finish line and free slice of pizza too. On course, there were so many people out and about cheering us on. (there were also some very unhappy drivers, but we had plenty of law enforcement out to deal with them.) I really enjoyed most of the course, it was parts of downtown that I haven’t been to before. Good race overall.
Glad I did this race, a lot of crowd support, you were never alone on the course - a lot of runners. A lot of water stops. The weather was … MORE
Glad I did this race, a lot of crowd support, you were never alone on the course – a lot of runners. A lot of water stops. The weather was good for running!
Please login to reply to this review.
Monumental Marathon was state number 49 for me. The weather forecast leading up to race day was a little disconcerting with initial thunderstorms predicted, which then became showers predicted, but … MORE
Monumental Marathon was state number 49 for me. The weather forecast leading up to race day was a little disconcerting with initial thunderstorms predicted, which then became showers predicted, but thankfully on race morning, it was cool and overcast. Ideal running conditions!
Indianapolis is a pretty cool town and if you book your hotel in advance you don’t need a rental car downtown. I took an Uber from the airport to the convention center for packet pickup which was pretty painless (lots of vendors, good expo) and then walked the two blocks to my hotel. There are lots of restaurants and monuments (hence the race’s name) and it’s a fun place to explore. I’d advise you get dinner reservations in advance. My party of four had a table reserved at super casual Buca di Beppo for carbs and due to the marathon, convention, concerts, and a marching band competition, they weren’t taking walk ins. Phew!
Race morning is low stress because it starts at 8am and again, two blocks from my hotel to the start (and the finish). It’s well laid out and organized and we went off on time. There were waves assigned based on finish time but it was on your honor. My first complaint, and really my only complaint, is don’t make that optional. If you go to the trouble of assigning people to waves, then ensure they go to the correct wave. I felt like I was constantly weaving and dodging for two or three miles around walkers and much slower paced runners. I’m not knocking anyone who chooses to walk but if you do, line up closer to the back please.
The course itself is pretty typical for a city. We started in downtown and ran around downtown for about three miles then outside the city, into neighborhoods, past a college, down a highway, through a park, and eventually back downtown. The half runners split at around mile 7 which was nice as the crowd thinned out. It’s also fairly flat with just a few small hills, no monsters. There were a lot of segments where runners were in one lane and cars were in the others, which didn’t always bother me but in his day in age, it’d be nice if that could be avoided for safety and security reasons.
On-course support was fantastic. There were probably 20 aid station/water stops, lots of portajohns, plus a few Gu and candy opportunities. Crowds were pretty good too, with very enthusiastic supporters!
The medal was good. It was the last in a four year series so it had a notch taken out of the corner (if you ran all four, it would form the Indiana flag and the notch makes sense). I’m not a fan of series because I don’t run the same race over and over but I can see the incentive to get people to return. The shirt was nice though I think they gave me a men’s small so it’s a little big. There was also a knit cap which you got at the finish line. I like that they distinguished between distances for all the swag – half was red, full was blue, etc. There was a pretty nice finish line spread plus space blankets and chocolate milk. I was freezing after I stopped running so I didn’t linger, just walked back to my hotel.
All in all, I think this is a solid race. The weather turned out to be perfect, I had a lot of runner friends present, and it’s a fun city, so a good way to finish off the year until number fifty. I’d recommend it for sure.
Beyond Monumental probably had the most active Facebook page I have seen for a race. Well worth following them for updates. Race morning was really cold and I struggled the … MORE
Beyond Monumental probably had the most active Facebook page I have seen for a race. Well worth following them for updates.
Race morning was really cold and I struggled the entire race to warm up.
Packet pick up was a breeze!
This race was much larger than I expected-the wave start did not seem to help. I could not find any port a potties close to the start area.
The course is pretty flat and runs through a lot of Indianapolis’ sites. The shirt is pretty awfully ugly but the medal is large and depicts Indianapolis.
All aid stations were well stocked and had tons of volunteers to keep it moving.
Please login to reply to this review.
I had given up running for about 3.5 years, and it had been that long since my last half marathon. So I was pretty hesitant to try a half again, … MORE
I had given up running for about 3.5 years, and it had been that long since my last half marathon. So I was pretty hesitant to try a half again, but I couldn’t have picked a better half to “re-start” with than the Monumental. This was the best half I’ve done to date, and possibly one of the best race experiences I’ve had overall.
The organization and race production is second to none. They do the little, thoughtful things that runners really appreciate. For example, the marathon and half marathon courses re-join one another for the last ~2.5 mi. However, this leads to front-of-pack marathoners converging with back-of-pack half marathoners. To avoid collisions and to ensure that the half marathoners don’t impede any of the marathoners’ trying to BQ or PR, the race organizers mark two very distinct “lanes” for the two distances.
Some other wonderful features:
* Wave starts in 2017
* So many water stops with water and gatorade — this is my favorite feature, because I didn’t have to carry hydration, and I was able to stay relatively hydrated throughout the race (for a change!)
* Quality swag: the medal is heavy and well-designed, high-quality tech shirt (though I wish it was long-sleeved and not so ugly), finisher beanies, poster, great coupons for other races and stores
* Outstanding finish line experience, lots of fuel and rehydration
Please login to reply to this review.
Second time running this race and will absolutely run it again in the future. Maybe I like this race because I got PR's both times. I enjoy the expo (nice … MORE
Second time running this race and will absolutely run it again in the future. Maybe I like this race because I got PR’s both times. I enjoy the expo (nice size for this race), the amount of participants, the bling (featured monuments) and the volunteers (especially at the finish line). The course is enjoyable as it takes you around the visitor sights in the city.
My only con is the lack of corrals. I was lucky enough to qualify to be placed this year, but if not the back is a mess. You know the drill…the people that want to be in the way at the front of the pack.
Besides that…a VERY enjoyable race.
Please login to reply to this review.
I went to the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon as a part of a reunion with a charity I work with. I really enjoyed the entire weekend. Expo: nice-sized expo for … MORE
I went to the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon as a part of a reunion with a charity I work with. I really enjoyed the entire weekend.
Expo: nice-sized expo for the race. Free poster with the names of all participants on it in small print. Limited samples at the expo booths. Nice assortment of vendors and race booths with discounts for registration.
The race has a pasta dinner. I did not go. It was in heated tents outdoors. Friends that went said it got chilly, and they ran out of some food and plasticware.
Swag: Loved the race shirt. Excellent design and fit. Great medal. Nice finisher’s hat (perfect for cold weather running). The race also provides a discount booklet for discounts in the area for race participants.
Pre-race: if it is cold outside, you can keep warm (and go to the bathroom) inside the convention center. The race corrals are organized by pace. I started back further than I normally would because I wanted to take the race slower and enjoy the neighborhoods.
Course: very flat and fast. A little congested at the beginning but that’s to be expected with the sheer size of the race. Race thins out as the miles go on and the half and full marathon split. The course went through some night neighborhoods, went past the historic war monuments of Indy (hence the race name), took us by the Children’s Museum, and some of the cool hip urban business areas of Indy. Watch the road surfaces- there are a lot of potholes in certain areas, and the brick section by the monuments is uneven and possibly slippery if it rains (we saw a couple of people trip on loose/uneven bricks). Aide stations and on-course support is excellent. Family/friends have several opportunities to see you and cheer you on throughout the race. Traffic/car control was excellent.
Post-race: great finish line, amazing immediate support and food from volunteers, finisher’s hat. Post-race food had bananas, cookies, chocolate milk, electrolytes, and a heated tent with chili.
Parking: can be tricky- the race was on the same weekend as an Indianapolis Colt home game, so hotels and parking spots filled up quickly. If you are not staying in a walking-distance hotel, use one of the local paid parking spot services.
Overall a fantastic race and I a glad I did it for my Indiana state race. You can tell this is a race that the whole community rallies behind, especially as it is a nonprofit event that supports many local charities. I definitely recommend this event. If you are visiting the area- make a weekend out of it. Do a tour, visit the Indy 500 Speedway, the Indianapolis Zoo, and enjoy all the great restaurants there.
Please login to reply to this review.
Fast, flat course
People aren't kidding when they tell you Indy is flat. Fun starting and ending in downtown. Very congested at the beginning of the race and took about 1 mile before … MORE
People aren’t kidding when they tell you Indy is flat. Fun starting and ending in downtown. Very congested at the beginning of the race and took about 1 mile before it opened up. Nice cap, but the technical shirt is rather tacky with weird dimensions.
Great Hometown Vibe; PR worthy course
Expo was setup well (stayed to listen to Noah Droddy and enjoyed his talk.) Communication from event organizers was stellar. Decent course minus the potholes. Aid stations spaced out great. … MORE
Expo was setup well (stayed to listen to Noah Droddy and enjoyed his talk.) Communication from event organizers was stellar. Decent course minus the potholes. Aid stations spaced out great. Not too many, not too few. Parking, and getting in & out, was a breeze if you planned ahead. Large selection of restaurant/bar options within walking distance of finish. Friendly volunteers. Crowd support was very sparse, but the few spectators out cheering were fantastic. Half-Marathon was crowded from beginning to end. Spent a bit of energy weaving around slower runners that went out too fast or didn’t train well. This was from mile 7 all the way to the finish. The weather this year was absolutely perfect.
One of my all time favorites!
I run this race every year. Parking is easy, crowds are manageable. The city and spectators are runner-friendly. Indy is a beautiful city. The course is nice and flat. Running … MORE
I run this race every year. Parking is easy, crowds are manageable. The city and spectators are runner-friendly. Indy is a beautiful city. The course is nice and flat. Running the final mile towards Monument Circle is memorable. I would recommend to anyone!
Hard to Beat This for a November Race
I loved this Half Marathon for a lot of reasons - well organized, cool weather, flat, scenic for an urban race, greet on course support, and a classy medal series … MORE
I loved this Half Marathon for a lot of reasons – well organized, cool weather, flat, scenic for an urban race, greet on course support, and a classy medal series so I am rewarded for coming back each year ( 4 medals, 2018-2021, will make up a cool collage that I can frame together).
Gentlemen.......Start Your Engines!!!
If you're looking for a flat, fast, BQ-er, then Indy is your race course! But....if you're a grinder like Slow Juan who enjoys friendly people, Autumn colors, beautiful neighborhoods, historical … MORE
If you’re looking for a flat, fast, BQ-er, then Indy is your race course! But….if you’re a grinder like Slow Juan who enjoys friendly people, Autumn colors, beautiful neighborhoods, historical monuments, public gardens and museums, then this just might be your race as well. Monumental is a “biggie,” but a “goodie.” The logistics at the Start this year were even more monumental, as President Trump and VP Pence were staying in the Marriott hotel, not two blocks from the starting line. The excitement, congestion and police support were huuuuuge! The course itself is a pleasant mosaic of monuments, memorials, beautiful homes and the grounds of the Fairbanks Art Nature Park. I particularly appreciated and enjoyed the series of “Burma Shave” styled placards of Indiana trivia that stretched for over a mile beginning around M18. Miles fly when you’re having fun.
For the “brewies” out there; some great choices with Daredevil (near the Speedway), Sun King and Metazoa brewing. Check any or all of ’em all out, but pace yourself.
Final Word: Put the Monumental Marathon on your “to-do” list and don’t forget ……..Hoosier Daddy?!?
Great Race
Well organized and very large race - had a blast exploring a great sampling of the city - my first time in Indy. Multiple water stations and lots of different … MORE
Well organized and very large race – had a blast exploring a great sampling of the city – my first time in Indy. Multiple water stations and lots of different neighborhoods had music/candy/drinks etc – made for great energy on race day.
Fun, easy race
The course starts and ends in downtown Indianapolis, going past Lucas Oil Stadium and through Monument Circle, though the course outside of downtown was less interesting. It's almost completely flat, … MORE
The course starts and ends in downtown Indianapolis, going past Lucas Oil Stadium and through Monument Circle, though the course outside of downtown was less interesting. It’s almost completely flat, with plenty of aid stations along the way. My only real complaint is that the Gatorade was mixed a little too strong. 🙂
Nothing lacking in this ideal-sized race
Packet pickup and expo were easy and well-attended. The Start and finish line experiences were top-notch and support was great in between. The scenery for this type of race was … MORE
Packet pickup and expo were easy and well-attended. The Start and finish line experiences were top-notch and support was great in between.
The scenery for this type of race was awesome. Beautiful tree-lined neighborhoods resplendent in their fall colors. A thriving downtown district. Parks, school campuses, all with gorgeous color. Autumn peak hit the nail on the head his year.
Never in 26.2 miles did I feel alone on the course, and there was really only minor congestion for the first .5 to .75 miles.
Fast course, great support
This is my 3rd time running the marathon and it's my go-to race. Lots of fan support along the way, great aid stations that are plentiful along the way ... … MORE
This is my 3rd time running the marathon and it’s my go-to race. Lots of fan support along the way, great aid stations that are plentiful along the way … honestly, this was the fastest 5 hours and I can’t wait to register for next year. The marathon registration has sold out the past several years and it’s a BQ-race. The Full and Half start together in a series of waves, then split off around mile 7. Lots of great scenery throughout Indianapolis – course runs through older neighborhoods, by the governor’s mansion, through Butler University’s campus, and the grounds of the Newfields Art Museum. There is also a 5k that starts after the Full/Half runners take off.
Awesome!
It was a great flat course. The weather was chilly but it helped my performance! I would run it again...maybe next year I will run the full! MORE
It was a great flat course. The weather was chilly but it helped my performance! I would run it again…maybe next year I will run the full!
Beautiful course and well run event
There were a couple of aid stations that were and It was a beautiful course in the miles really flew by. It was relatively flat so it was very easy. … MORE
There were a couple of aid stations that were and It was a beautiful course in the miles really flew by. It was relatively flat so it was very easy. Indiana roads are pretty crummy and there were a lot of people tripping on the potholes. It was very crowded and out times we are down to a very narrow lanes. I think that the overcrowding Mixed with the bottlenecking caused some time. There were a couple of aid stations that were and some of those bottleneck areas in the beginning it probably could’ve been moved forward or backwards to allow it to run more smoothly. Overall it was a really awesome Race and I will be happy to do it again. some of those bottleneck areas in the beginning it probably could’ve been moved forward or backwards to allow it to run more smoothly. Overall it was a really awesome Race and I will be happy to do it again.
Flat course, but rough roads
This race was well organized and flat as advertised. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. It was the ideal set up for a PR if it hadn't been for … MORE
This race was well organized and flat as advertised. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. It was the ideal set up for a PR if it hadn’t been for its two major downsides: an overcrowded course and some of the worst roads I have ever run on.
I went in with an injury and wasn’t expecting a PR, but the conditions exasperated the situation. About 3 miles in, the course was funneled into 2 small lanes as we went under a bridge. A girl running too close to me (everyone was too close) tripped in a pothole and grabbed my arm as she fell. Though I managed to stay upright, I felt my injured quad pull again and it bothered me the rest of the race. About 10 miles in, I had my own road incident and narrowly escaped a race ending ankle injury. After that, I spent entirely too much energy just trying to avoid the ruts and holes in the road while running in the one banked lane we were given. I couldn’t really enjoy the monuments and sites because I was afraid to look up, but I hear it is a scenic and beautiful course.
On a bright note, the finish was well organized, the water stops were well stocked and frequent and the downtown location made for easy access from any downtown hotel. We were also allowed to use the local YMCA to take a shower before our 3 hour drive home and that was a huge perk since our hotel did not have a late check out. This was some very good forethought on the part of the race and was much appreciated.
Overall, I do recommend the race, but will not personally be back unless Indianapolis decides to take on a few repaving projects. I’m just not that coordinated 😊
Great event that’s large
This is a great event. It’s very large and the crowds are huge. It’s a great flat course with tons of aid and water stations. Everyone was very nice and … MORE
This is a great event. It’s very large and the crowds are huge. It’s a great flat course with tons of aid and water stations. Everyone was very nice and helpful and I had a good run! It’s a very crowded course so there’s a lot of dodging people the entire time. I definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about it for next year.
Fast, Fun Race!
The Monumental Marathon is a really well put together event. Even though it's the 19th largest marathon in the US, it didn't feel that big. The expo is nice, lots … MORE
The Monumental Marathon is a really well put together event. Even though it’s the 19th largest marathon in the US, it didn’t feel that big. The expo is nice, lots of other races were there with discounts. Race morning I experienced a little confusion as to where exactly the start line was, but that’s probably my own fault for not reviewing the course beforehand. Race started on time, and the course was fast. I am not a fast runner, by any means, but the miles flew by. It is probably the flattest race I have ever run, and the after party is great. The medals were really nice, finishers gear for purchase at the finish line and free slice of pizza too. On course, there were so many people out and about cheering us on. (there were also some very unhappy drivers, but we had plenty of law enforcement out to deal with them.) I really enjoyed most of the course, it was parts of downtown that I haven’t been to before. Good race overall.
Another Good Race
Glad I did this race, a lot of crowd support, you were never alone on the course - a lot of runners. A lot of water stops. The weather was … MORE
Glad I did this race, a lot of crowd support, you were never alone on the course – a lot of runners. A lot of water stops. The weather was good for running!
Great Indiana race
Monumental Marathon was state number 49 for me. The weather forecast leading up to race day was a little disconcerting with initial thunderstorms predicted, which then became showers predicted, but … MORE
Monumental Marathon was state number 49 for me. The weather forecast leading up to race day was a little disconcerting with initial thunderstorms predicted, which then became showers predicted, but thankfully on race morning, it was cool and overcast. Ideal running conditions!
Indianapolis is a pretty cool town and if you book your hotel in advance you don’t need a rental car downtown. I took an Uber from the airport to the convention center for packet pickup which was pretty painless (lots of vendors, good expo) and then walked the two blocks to my hotel. There are lots of restaurants and monuments (hence the race’s name) and it’s a fun place to explore. I’d advise you get dinner reservations in advance. My party of four had a table reserved at super casual Buca di Beppo for carbs and due to the marathon, convention, concerts, and a marching band competition, they weren’t taking walk ins. Phew!
Race morning is low stress because it starts at 8am and again, two blocks from my hotel to the start (and the finish). It’s well laid out and organized and we went off on time. There were waves assigned based on finish time but it was on your honor. My first complaint, and really my only complaint, is don’t make that optional. If you go to the trouble of assigning people to waves, then ensure they go to the correct wave. I felt like I was constantly weaving and dodging for two or three miles around walkers and much slower paced runners. I’m not knocking anyone who chooses to walk but if you do, line up closer to the back please.
The course itself is pretty typical for a city. We started in downtown and ran around downtown for about three miles then outside the city, into neighborhoods, past a college, down a highway, through a park, and eventually back downtown. The half runners split at around mile 7 which was nice as the crowd thinned out. It’s also fairly flat with just a few small hills, no monsters. There were a lot of segments where runners were in one lane and cars were in the others, which didn’t always bother me but in his day in age, it’d be nice if that could be avoided for safety and security reasons.
On-course support was fantastic. There were probably 20 aid station/water stops, lots of portajohns, plus a few Gu and candy opportunities. Crowds were pretty good too, with very enthusiastic supporters!
The medal was good. It was the last in a four year series so it had a notch taken out of the corner (if you ran all four, it would form the Indiana flag and the notch makes sense). I’m not a fan of series because I don’t run the same race over and over but I can see the incentive to get people to return. The shirt was nice though I think they gave me a men’s small so it’s a little big. There was also a knit cap which you got at the finish line. I like that they distinguished between distances for all the swag – half was red, full was blue, etc. There was a pretty nice finish line spread plus space blankets and chocolate milk. I was freezing after I stopped running so I didn’t linger, just walked back to my hotel.
All in all, I think this is a solid race. The weather turned out to be perfect, I had a lot of runner friends present, and it’s a fun city, so a good way to finish off the year until number fifty. I’d recommend it for sure.
Great race
Beyond Monumental probably had the most active Facebook page I have seen for a race. Well worth following them for updates. Race morning was really cold and I struggled the … MORE
Beyond Monumental probably had the most active Facebook page I have seen for a race. Well worth following them for updates.
Race morning was really cold and I struggled the entire race to warm up.
Packet pick up was a breeze!
This race was much larger than I expected-the wave start did not seem to help. I could not find any port a potties close to the start area.
The course is pretty flat and runs through a lot of Indianapolis’ sites. The shirt is pretty awfully ugly but the medal is large and depicts Indianapolis.
All aid stations were well stocked and had tons of volunteers to keep it moving.
Best half I've done yet!
I had given up running for about 3.5 years, and it had been that long since my last half marathon. So I was pretty hesitant to try a half again, … MORE
I had given up running for about 3.5 years, and it had been that long since my last half marathon. So I was pretty hesitant to try a half again, but I couldn’t have picked a better half to “re-start” with than the Monumental. This was the best half I’ve done to date, and possibly one of the best race experiences I’ve had overall.
The organization and race production is second to none. They do the little, thoughtful things that runners really appreciate. For example, the marathon and half marathon courses re-join one another for the last ~2.5 mi. However, this leads to front-of-pack marathoners converging with back-of-pack half marathoners. To avoid collisions and to ensure that the half marathoners don’t impede any of the marathoners’ trying to BQ or PR, the race organizers mark two very distinct “lanes” for the two distances.
Some other wonderful features:
* Wave starts in 2017
* So many water stops with water and gatorade — this is my favorite feature, because I didn’t have to carry hydration, and I was able to stay relatively hydrated throughout the race (for a change!)
* Quality swag: the medal is heavy and well-designed, high-quality tech shirt (though I wish it was long-sleeved and not so ugly), finisher beanies, poster, great coupons for other races and stores
* Outstanding finish line experience, lots of fuel and rehydration
The best of the Indpls races
Second time running this race and will absolutely run it again in the future. Maybe I like this race because I got PR's both times. I enjoy the expo (nice … MORE
Second time running this race and will absolutely run it again in the future. Maybe I like this race because I got PR’s both times. I enjoy the expo (nice size for this race), the amount of participants, the bling (featured monuments) and the volunteers (especially at the finish line). The course is enjoyable as it takes you around the visitor sights in the city.
My only con is the lack of corrals. I was lucky enough to qualify to be placed this year, but if not the back is a mess. You know the drill…the people that want to be in the way at the front of the pack.
Besides that…a VERY enjoyable race.
Scenic Indy
I went to the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon as a part of a reunion with a charity I work with. I really enjoyed the entire weekend. Expo: nice-sized expo for … MORE
I went to the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon as a part of a reunion with a charity I work with. I really enjoyed the entire weekend.
Expo: nice-sized expo for the race. Free poster with the names of all participants on it in small print. Limited samples at the expo booths. Nice assortment of vendors and race booths with discounts for registration.
The race has a pasta dinner. I did not go. It was in heated tents outdoors. Friends that went said it got chilly, and they ran out of some food and plasticware.
Swag: Loved the race shirt. Excellent design and fit. Great medal. Nice finisher’s hat (perfect for cold weather running). The race also provides a discount booklet for discounts in the area for race participants.
Pre-race: if it is cold outside, you can keep warm (and go to the bathroom) inside the convention center. The race corrals are organized by pace. I started back further than I normally would because I wanted to take the race slower and enjoy the neighborhoods.
Course: very flat and fast. A little congested at the beginning but that’s to be expected with the sheer size of the race. Race thins out as the miles go on and the half and full marathon split. The course went through some night neighborhoods, went past the historic war monuments of Indy (hence the race name), took us by the Children’s Museum, and some of the cool hip urban business areas of Indy. Watch the road surfaces- there are a lot of potholes in certain areas, and the brick section by the monuments is uneven and possibly slippery if it rains (we saw a couple of people trip on loose/uneven bricks). Aide stations and on-course support is excellent. Family/friends have several opportunities to see you and cheer you on throughout the race. Traffic/car control was excellent.
Post-race: great finish line, amazing immediate support and food from volunteers, finisher’s hat. Post-race food had bananas, cookies, chocolate milk, electrolytes, and a heated tent with chili.
Parking: can be tricky- the race was on the same weekend as an Indianapolis Colt home game, so hotels and parking spots filled up quickly. If you are not staying in a walking-distance hotel, use one of the local paid parking spot services.
Overall a fantastic race and I a glad I did it for my Indiana state race. You can tell this is a race that the whole community rallies behind, especially as it is a nonprofit event that supports many local charities. I definitely recommend this event. If you are visiting the area- make a weekend out of it. Do a tour, visit the Indy 500 Speedway, the Indianapolis Zoo, and enjoy all the great restaurants there.