St. Francis returns as title sponsor of Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

IMM names WISH-TV reporter as new executive director

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has named WISH-TV’s 24-Hour News 8’s Julie Patterson as its executive director.

“Her experience in the media combined with her joy of running and dedication to a worthwhile cause make her an excellent fit for us,” said IMM President Carlton Ray.

Patterson has a “passion for running” and recently ran the 113th Boston Marathon, noted Ray. She also ran the Monumental Half Marathon in its inaugural year, 2008. She also teaches a weekly women’s running class at Fitness Concepts.

Her experience behind the scenes includes her long-term involvement with many local races benefiting local charities such as The Will Power Run/Walk, The Stop HD Walk and The Race against Domestic Violence.

“Promoting health and wellness benefits our entire community, particularly our youth,” said Patterson, who has spent much of her broadcasting career in radio, including the “Julie and Steve’ morning show on WZPL-99.5 FM, for more than a decade. She also appears weekdays on WISH-TV’s “Daybreak,” delivering morning traffic reports. She also produces a weekly cultural events segment called “Hot Spot” for that station.

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers is returning as the title sponsor of this year’s IMM. The hospital will provide support, including physicians, nurses staff, podiatrists, physical therapists and other medical staff through under the direction of Jeffrey Peterson, M.D. of Southport Family Practice and Sports Medicine.

The 2009 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon will be Nov. 7. 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 2010 and 2011 Boston Marathon.

To learn more about the event, its supported charities and its organization, go to www.monumentalmarathon.com.
For more information about St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers visit www.stfrancishospitals.org.