Indianapolis Monumental Marathon running fast track with registrations

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon has set a record pace – exceeding its goal of the number of runners registering for the Nov. 7 event.

Organizers report they have registered more than 5,000 participants and anticipate the number might approach 6,000 by the day of the race, whose title sponsor is St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers.

“There has been tremendous response for the second running of the marathon,” said IMM Executive Director Julie Patterson, “We will continue to register runners and walkers up until the morning of race day, but we encourage on-line registration now.”

To register and learn more about the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, go to www.monumentalmarathon.com.

On the day before the event, the IMM will host and Health and Fitness Expo in the 500 Ballroom at the Indiana Convention Center. A St. Francis physician, respiratory therapist and representative from the St. Francis-based Indiana Heart Physicians will be on hand to discuss medical and fitness issues with the runners. Authors of two marathon-related books will discuss their work and experiences as well.

This year’s race also marks the second time St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has been the title sponsor and provided volunteers. The medical team includes 13 physicians, 50 nurses, 15 trainers and 10 physical therapists, and is lead by Jeffrey Peterson, M.D., a family practitioner and sports medicine expert.

Nearly 40 other St. Francis employees also will be on hand as volunteers in various capacities.

“We recognized from the beginning this event is an excellent way to promote health and fitness in our community,” said Robert J. Brody, St. Francis president and chief executive officer. “Though only in its second year, the IMM has generated wide interest from far beyond our metropolitan area.”

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.

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.

Proceeds from the 2009 IMM will benefit several charities associated with Indianapolis Public Schools: IPS Education Foundation, Mind Trust and College Summit. Nearly $26,000 was raised from last year’s event.

St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers has three 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. For more information, go to www.stfrancishospitals.org.