Reasons To Register For The Monumental Marathon

  When I find a race that I really like, I want to encourage anyone to join me in running it next year (not actually run it with me, but run it for yourself).  Apparently the word is getting out about this marathon as it has grown over the years and several of my friends will be running it as well. 

The Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis, has become one of my favorite races of the year. This years event will be held on November 7th.  This will be my third straight Monumental Marathon. If you follow a 16 week training plan for marathons, than your training plan would have started this past Monday.  But it’s not too late to get started. Here are my reasons why you should consider joining in on the Monumental Marathon.

1. The Course

  The start and finish line are right at the Indiana Government Center  

 and at the finish line, you finish with the state house right in front of you.   

 But that’s not all you will see. You run right by Lucas Oil Stadium, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Monument Circle, Indiana State Fair Grounds, Butler University (my only complaint is that you don’t run by Hinkel Fieldhouse), and Indianapolis Museum of Art.  It really is a scenic course especially if the fall leaves still remain on the trees.
This is also a fast/flat course.  This is the course where my current PR was set.  Run the race right, even with nasty head winds, and you can run a new PR as well. There is only one major hill on the course at around mile 16, but it really isn’t too bad and you shouldn’t have a problem with it. 

2. SWAG

The first thing you receive when walking into the expo is the official race poster. Anyone who registers early enough will have their names put on the poster.   2014 race poster.
The race shirts have also been very nice over the last two years as well: 

   
And let’s not forget the finishers medals.  If you ran Monumental last fall, you know there is a 4 year series of medals, that when completed, will look like the flag of the city of Indianapolis.  

   
Lastly, they give you hat at the finish.  Very nice considering to cool temperatures that can occur on race day.  

  

3. Expo

This may not be the largest expo you have seen at a race, but it’s a good one.  Many vendors selling all kinds of running gear. Usually you can find some good deals and even discounts on another race.

4. Indy

I love the city of Indianapolis.  Give me Indianapolis over Chicago any day.  Everything in down town is all together and within walking distance. Many of the hotels, the mall, and convention center all connect by elevated walk ways so on those poor weather days, you don’t have to step outside.  There are plenty of hotels right by the start/finish line or within a few blocks that you don’t need to worry about race day traffic and finding a parking spot.  Tina and I will be staying at the Westin, right by the starting line.

Also, there are great restaurants in downtown.  My favorite place to carboload is Buca Di Bepo. 

  
5. Cool weather

Last year, with nasty winds, the wind chill was in the 20s.  Normal highs are in the 40s though.  Perfect weather for a marathon.  Great for running a new PR!

So, who will be joining me and my friends this year in Indy on November 7th?