Monumental Marathon Targets New Generation

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Organizers of the ninth annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon say the event will provide economic and educational benefits to the city. For the first time, both the marathon and half-marathon are sold out, with a total of nearly 20,000 participants expected. In addition to proceeds benefiting Indianapolis Public Schools-related charities, several hundred IUPUI students will serve as training partners and work behind-the-scenes in event management roles. The event is expected to have an economic impact of more than $8 million.

In September, the parent organization of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon announced a name change. President Katherine Coble says the new name, Beyond Monumental, represents growth beyond the annual race.

Many of those efforts have to do with health education in Indianapolis classrooms. The organization’s Monumental Kids Movement has expanded to 15 schools in Lawrence and Wayne townships in Indianapolis. The nine-week youth running program previously only served schools in Center Township.

For its part, IUPUI has been working with the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon as well as the Monumental Kids Movement program for four years. The school says first-year School of Physical Education and Tourism Management students have already worked to maintain the marathon’s warehouse, taking on tasks including sorting boxes and counting medals. On Saturday, students will serve at "Ask Me" stations to help visitors and participants, help with registration and assist with packet pick-up and finish line management.

IUPUI also works with more than 1,000 kindergarten through middle school IPS students as part of the Monumental Kids Movement program to promote physical activity. The IUPUI students act as mentors, and help IPS students prepare for a five-kilometer race.

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon begins at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The marathon is expected to include 4,500 participants, with the half-marathon drawing around 10,000 participants.