Taking it to the streets: Thousands poised to run in Nov. 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

INDIANAPOLIS – More than 3,100 runners will hit the city streets for the first-ever Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Saturday, Nov. 1.

Participants from 39 states and four countries are registered for the event, whose title sponsor is St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers. The race 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 Robert D. Orr Drive to the finish line, 200 yards east of West Street.

Opening ceremonies get under way 7:25 a.m., slightly west of the State Capitol Building on West Washington St. with remarks by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, St. Francis President and CEO Robert J. Brody, Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White, IMM President Carlton Ray, and Olympian runner and IMM Honorary Chair Bob Kennedy.

"The number of runners is over twice our 2008 goal and we're very excited to have so many wonderful athletes," said Ray. "ur 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."

Proceeds from the marathon will benefit the Indianapolis Public Schools, the IPS Education Foundation and the Mind Trust and College Summit.

"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."

The urban courses are 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 is being 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.

To learn more about the event and its organization, go to www.monumentalmarathon.com.