The Monumental Marathon course is flat and fast with a few small hills - most notably from miles 15 to 18. The flat course, coupled with the typical race day temperature and humidity make the Monumental Marathon a very good PR and Boston Qualifier course.
How does the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Rank?
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon was the 15th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 13th largest in 2022.
This year 18% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 21.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon the 44th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 58th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.37 ranks it as the 123rd fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 2nd fastest course in Indiana.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon a PR Score of 99.37. This PR Score ranks it as the 84th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 1st fastest in Indiana.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 776 feet (236m) Min Elevation: 699 feet (213m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
View available accomodations around the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in 3:48:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
Rebecca B.'s review of 2024 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
The start line had waves so it was easier to navigate to my appropriate wave. The crowd support was actually very good! I was surprised that so many neighborhoods along the course had people out cheering! The weather was perfect as far as temperature (low 50s), it was a little windy (7-9 mph) but not too bad- I stayed in a pack most of the time to help shield the wind. Speaking of, it is crowded! Sometimes a good thing because I almost always had someone to run with (ran 2:56:04) but also, in the beginning it was hard to run tangents because of rubbing with a group.
- right after about mile 6 it was the sweet spot of plenty of people to run with but not too crowded. Overall, I would definitely pick running with a few too many people over running by myself! Indianapolis marathon did not disappoint! It exceeded my expectations! Super fast course, great atmosphere- you should run it for sure!
Race Tips
Even pacing is probably best. Super flat but the only hills do come at about mile 15.5-17, a few ups and downs. Expect the start to be crowded but also decently easy to navigate to your appropriate corral. Not quite enough porta potties if you are someone who likes to go one last time at the absolute last minute like me.
We stayed in an Air BnB in "The Block" and it was super close to the start and a bit more affordable then the hotel rooms that close to the start. Lots of good food options nearby.
J's review of 2023 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Likes- Overall event very well managed and great race event!!
Dislikes- Please get more portable restrooms at starting line! Very inadequate for number of runners, 30+ min wait time.
Anonymous's review of 2021 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
No complaints about the race itself, but allow LOTS of time to get to the start corrals. Sidewalks on S. Capital were jammed (2021) with spectators, making it almost impossible to get to starting corrals. It took 20-25 minutes to walk about 2 blocks, and many of us were fearful we would miss the start of the race.
Race Tips
Water stations aren't well marked, so the first few can come as a surprise. On the positive side, the split at mile 7 between the marathon and the half marathon is the best I've ever seen.
AJB's review of 2021 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
Great Race. Loved the route - nice and flat. Good atmosphere - would definitely run again. Getting to the starting corral was a bit of a nightmare pre race but once the race started everything was great.
Race Tips
Plenty of hotels within walking distance to starting line. Get out a bit early to make sure you have time.
4.5 Stars from 21 Reviews
