Ran every year in early November, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a mid-major race that suits runners of all abilities. I ran the full marathon version in 2018 & 2019 and I highly recommend this race. While it is not one of the Abbott World Major Marathons, the Indy Monumental Marathon is still in the Top 15 for Marathon Size in the United States.
Overview of the Monumental Marathon
The Monumental Marathon takes place in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana during the beginning of November. Weather conditions this time of year in Indianapolis are very favorable for long distance running. You should expect starting line temperatures in the range of 20-40 degrees. The race typically is ideal for chasing a PR or a Boston Qualifying time. It is fairly flat and well supported throughout.
Race day includes 3 race distances that all start at the same time. There is the full marathon, half marathon and a 5K offered. Typically there are around 4,000-5,000 full marathon finishers and around the same number of half marathon finishers. For those looking for a Boston Qualifying time, the course is certified and typically features one of the higher BQ percentage rates.
Transportation/Where To Stay
The Monumental Marathon is a very accessible race as it is located near the city center with lots of lodging and transportation options. For those flying in from other parts of the country/world, the Indy airport is just outside of downtown. Indy is also convenient for those driving, as it is only a one day drive for more than half of the country’s population.
There are lots of hotel options near the starting line area. Options range from upscale hotels like the Conrad, to many other affordable options. One of the benefits of this smaller city race is the option of driving in on race morning. In 2018, we stayed with friends about 30 minutes away and were able to easily arrive and park at the Circle Center Mall garage. In 2019, we stayed just south of the convention center and it was an easy 10 minute walk to the convention center. Both options were very stress free, so do whatever you prefer!
Monumental Marathon Expo/Swag
The Monumental Marathon Expo is located at the Indiana Convention Center, which is in the center of the downtown area. There is plenty of parking available nearby, with large parking garages that are connected internally. It is a decent walk to the expo, but it is covered and heated. Once inside the expo, you will navigate throughout the floor to get your bib & race swag. There were about 25-30 vendors as well with mostly regional or local vendors. There are usually some budget gear vendors so make sure to hit them up early to find some good deals!
The race gives all participants a short sleeve tech shirt and a race poster at the expo. Finishers also receive a nice medal, beanie, & heat shield upon finishing the race. It is nice to receive a technical shirt compared to a cotton shirt. However, I feel like the Monumental Marathon shirt somewhat lacks in quality compared to other race shirts. The fit just never seems to be very comfortable compared to other ones I have gotten before. The beanie and heat shield are definite needs when the finish line cold air hits. If this is your first marathon or first time in a colder race, make sure you get warm before your body temperature drops.
Race Morning
One of the best parts of being a centrally located located race is the resulting logistics on race morning. The corrals line up on Capital Ave, near the convention center. The convention center serves as a warming area before the race due to it’s large size and proximity to the start line. Both years that I ran Indy, I utilized it to stay warm and use actual restrooms before the race. With an 8am start time, I planned my arrival to the convention center for around 7am to allow time for the 15-20 minute bathroom line and warmups. That will give you plenty of time for the 5 minute walk over to the corrals. Compared to major marathons, Indy is a breeze getting to the start area and corrals.
Monumental Marathon Course Strategy
Overview
The Monumental Marathon course is a big loop course that explores the northern part of Indianapolis. It features around 300 feet of elevation gain, with no sizeable climbs. The race winds through several neighborhoods and cultural areas. My favorite sections are running past the Soldiers & Sailors Monument and through Butler University. With the course being mostly north for the first half and south for the back half, pay attention to the wind forecast. Both years that I ran the full, there was a steady wind from the south that made the return trip a little challenging. There are plenty of aid stations roughly every mile or 2 serving water and Gatorade.
Downtown Section: Start – Mile 5
As with any big race, the beginning of the race is full of excitement and large crowds. As the sun begins to rise for the day, you set off south on Capitol Ave. The first main sight to take in is Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Colts. The first couple turns are left handers, so I would advise trying to start on the left side of the road when you line up in the corral. Indy features a decent amount of turns, so always be looking ahead to run those tangents!
A long underpass on Virginia Ave. brings you out to run around the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument. Plan on your GPS being affected through this short section. Don’t be surprised to see some very fast or very slow mile times. Just focus on running your pace and don’t get too worried about what you watch is telling you. The crowd is heavy and loud in this area and really gets your body moving. Soak in the atmosphere, but stay in rhythm and within yourself. You then wind through a few more downtown neighborhoods before making sharp right onto Pennsylvania St. to begin your journey northward.
Heading North: Mile 5 – Halfway Point
This section features a lot of long straightaways as you head towards the northern burbs. I really enjoy this area full of neighborhoods and parks. There are lots of trees with changing leaves that are usually full of fall color. The half marathon runners depart just after mile 7 and the race will definitely thin out. Usually at least 50% of the field is only running the half marathon. Just before mile 9, the route passes through the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This area features minimal elevation change with a few rollers here and there. It is a great time to evaluate how you are feeling and mentally prepare yourself for the challenge ahead. The Broad Ripple neighborhood features the halfway and the northern most point.
Rolling Hills: Mile 13 – Mile 17
After coming through the halfway point, you make the left turn west and then gradually angle back south. While the course is not hilly, this stretch features the most elevation change seen yet. No individual climb is very big, but a long straightaway on Meridian gives you plenty of time to see the rolling hills coming. Just stay focused and run a smooth cadence. Running through Butler University was a highlight as many students came out to support the runners. Crowd support is always appreciated!
Scenic Section: Mile 17 – Mile 23
As you leave Butler, you will start to make your way towards the Indianapolis Museum of Art. This is also the start of some scenic miles as a nice gradual downhill at mile 19 brings you along the White River Greenway. For a couple miles, you traverse along the river in solitude. The crowds are very thin (basically no one) through this section, so mental toughness is very much needed. There are no hills to worry about so keep the pace steady. After coming through mile 21, you make the turn back east and run through some neighborhoods and parks. Apart from the beginning of this section, it is very flat and relaxing.
Homestretch: Mile 23 – Finish
Excitement really builds as you make the right turn onto Meridian St just after mile 23. This 3 mile straightaway takes you all the way to the finish. Seeing the downtown buildings in the distance can be great motivation as you near the finish. This stretch also reunites you with the half marathon runners. The race does a nice job of separating the road for the 2 race distances. For the faster marathoners, the left side of the road will be full of half runners. A couple final turns in the closing mile takes you into the finish line. This final section is gradually downhill and doesn’t feature any big hills. There’s nothing left to save your energy for, so give it all you have and finish strong!
Monumental Marathon Post Race
The finish line area is typical of other large races. One great addition is every runner getting a sock hat upon finishing. Most years the weather is pretty chilly, so getting a warm hat is much appreciated. You will also get a heat shield and various snacks and drinks. Most recently they offered pizza and chocolate milk, but will vary their offerings each year. In 2019, I took advantage of free access to the downtown YMCA to shower being driving back home. Overall, I highly recommend this race for anyone looking for a fall marathon. It is conveniently located, hassle-free, and a fun race.
