The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is an annual road marathon held in early November in Indianapolis, Indiana. The marathon was first held in 2008 and also includes a half marathon and 5K run. Since 2016, it has been the only full fall marathon run in Indianapolis. In 2025, there were 6,674 finishers and it is ranked one of the top 15 largest marathons in the U.S.
History
The Monumental Marathon was established by Carlton Ray in 2008. Just over 1,100 runners completed the race's inaugural running, while almost 2,000 completed the race the following year. Nearly 3,000 runners completed the half marathon in 2009. Beginning in 2010, a 5k race was offered as well. In 2014, Runners World named the race as one of the nine best, new U.S. marathons.
In 2015, the Monumental Marathon purchased the Indianapolis Marathon and converted it into a half marathon the following year, operating it as the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben. Prior to the purchase, the Monumental Marathon was reported to be in the top 25 marathons in the United States.
In 2016, the CNO Financial Group became the primary sponsor of the Monumental Marathon, which became known officially as the CNO Financial Group Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
In 2017, Jed Cornforth was appointed as executive director of the event, replacing the prior director, Blake Boldon, who left the event to direct the Drake Relays.
The 2020 in-person edition of the race was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with all registrants given the option of running the race virtually or transferring their entry to 2021. An e-mail address was provided for registrants to request a refund, without any additional details regarding a refund policy.
Course The course for the Monumental Marathon begins and ends near the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. The Monumental Half Marathon is run concurrently with the full marathon. The two races follow identical routes for the first six or so miles, split, then re-converge for the last of the course.
The course is known to be relatively flat with good race day temperatures and strong crowd support, making the marathon a good PR and Boston Qualifier course.
Winners Key: Course record YearMaleTimeFemaleTimeRf.2008Richard Kandie2:22:24Zeddy Chepkoech2:40:282009Mathew Chesang2:21:00Molly Brown-Boulay3:07:282010Leornard Mucheru2:17:58Jackie Dikos 2:45:252011Hillary Cheruiyot2:22:20Mandy Grantz2:42:362012Aleksey Alexandrova2:18:44Whitney Bevins-Lazzara2:45:232013David Tuwei 2:16:40Colleen Dereuck2:39:222014Michael Eaton2:19:38Alana Hadley2:38:342015Jesse Davis2:17:59Nicole Michmerhuizen2:41:372016Japhet Kipkoech2:18:30Andie Cozzarelli2:38:472017Japhet Kipkoech (2)2:18:34Laura Portis2:41:352018Aaron Fletcher2:17:23Laurie Knowles2:37:502019Nate Guthals2:17:15Dot McMahan2:35:362020Event cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic2021Ian Carter2:16:24Christina Murphy2:37:572022Jacob Heslington2:18:56Jennifer Pope2:37:222023Lyle O'Brien2:15:39Rachel Hannah2:35:122024Austin Nolan 2:16:30Lindsey Bradley 2:31:462025Joseph Whelan2:12:28Amanda Mosborg2:32:00
See also Sports in Indianapolis List of attractions and events in Indianapolis List of marathon races in North America
References