Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Country:  United States
Website:  https://monumentalmarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date:  08/11/2025
2026 Marathon Date:  07/11/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:12:28

% Sub-3s:  10-15%
# Sub-3s:  500-999
Total Runners: 3-10k

The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has become one of the United States’ most popular fast-and-flat marathons, offering a smooth, PR-friendly course through the heart of Indiana’s capital. First held in 2008, the race has grown steadily in scale and reputation, attracting more than 15,000 participants in 2023 and building toward an even larger field in 2025. The event is known for combining ideal running conditions, a supportive community atmosphere and a route that highlights both downtown Indianapolis and its historic neighbourhoods.

The marathon takes place each November, when temperatures typically range from 37°F to 55°F and the air is cool and crisp—conditions that support strong pacing and fast finishing times. Although humidity can be relatively high and headwinds are possible, runners often benefit from the seasonal weather and partly cloudy skies. The course is USATF-certified and widely regarded as one of the most reliable for Boston Marathon qualifying attempts.

The 2025 course begins on West Street, just south of Maryland Street, near the Indiana Convention Center and Victory Field. From there, the route unfolds as a 26.2-mile loop across the city, passing prominent landmarks such as the Indiana State Capitol, Monument Circle and several federal monuments. Further along the course, athletes run past Lucas Oil Stadium, the Massachusetts Avenue District and through historic neighbourhoods including Fall Creek Place, Meridian-Kessler and Broad Ripple. Cultural institutions like Butler University and the Indianapolis Museum of Art offer variety and visual interest as the route progresses northward before turning back toward downtown. The finish line awaits near the intersection of Washington Street and Capitol Avenue, close to the Indiana State House.

While the overall character of the course has remained consistent since the event’s inception—flat, fast and community-driven—there have been occasional refinements. A notable adjustment for 2025 includes relocating the start line to West Street to better manage field size and flow. The race’s identity further solidified in 2015, when the Monumental Marathon acquired the Indianapolis Marathon, making it the city’s sole full fall marathon from 2016 onward.

With its favourable terrain, iconic city landmarks and dependable race-day conditions, the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon remains a standout choice for runners aiming for personal bests and memorable performances.