INDIANAPOLIS – The first-ever Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has a new running mate for a race that will take participants throughout downtown and surrounding city streets and landmarks: St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.The Nov. 1 race, now being billed as the “Indianapolis Monumental Marathon presented by St. Francis Hospital,” was announced today (July 8) on the grounds of the Indiana State Capitol building.
“We are honored to participate in this landmark and high-profile event,” said Robert J. Brody, St. Francis president and CEO. . “The marathon is an excellent way to promote health and wellness and is an outstanding opportunity to reach out to the Indianapolis community.”
Proceeds from the marathon will benefit the Indianapolis Public Schools, the IPS Education Foundation and the Mind Trust and College Summit.
“We are thrilled to welcome St. Francis to help celebrate what our wonderful city is all about – hospitality, integrity, community and fun,” said IMM President Carlton Ray. “Our organizing team is made up of local runners, community leaders and event planners who understand the thrill of participating in, as well as witnessing, an epic feat such as the completion of a marathon.”
The event features a full marathon (26.2 miles) and a half marathon (13.1 miles). Both courses will begin near Washington and West streets and will end their trek on on Robert D. Orr Drive to the finish line, 200 yards east of West Street.
The urban courses will be sanctioned and certified by the standards of USA Track and Field, the national body of road racing, with the marathon course serving as a qualifier for the 2009 Boston Marathon. Organization and administration will be conducted by Ken Long & Associates, a highly regarded training, road racing and consulting organization.
Long was formerly the race director for a nationally acclaimed running event, the Indianapolis 500 Festival Mini Marathon.
Bob Kennedy, who serves as IMM’s honorary chair, also was on hand for the news conference. The former Olympian long-distance, co-owner of The Running Company, also welcomed St. Francis, adding that its participation is an example of community support for the marathon.
“A talented group of civic-minded individuals with backgrounds in event management, sales, engineering, local government operations, education and charitable giving are developing a national destination marathon here in Indianapolis,” Kennedy said. “The core goals are to develop a well-organized, well-supported marathon and half marathon; to help others lead a healthier lifestyle through exercise; and to help Indianapolis youth improve their quality of life including pursuing higher education.”
To register for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon or to learn more about the event and its organization, go to www.monumentalmarathon.com.
St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has three main hospitals in Indianapolis, Beech Grove and Mooresville and operates a medical office building in Plainfield. St. Francis Hospital is part of a network of 13 growing hospital campuses in Indiana and Illinois owned and operated by the Mishawaka-based Sisters of St. Francis Health Services Inc., one of the largest health-care systems in Indiana. For more information, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org.
