Runners poised, St. Francis volunteers prep for Indy marathon

NDIANAPOLIS – Winners of last year’s inaugural running of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon are expected to be among a field of runners at this year’s event, Saturday, Nov. 7.

Kenyans Richard Candle and Zeddy Chepkoech, last year’s champions in the men’s and women’s division, will join an estimated 3,700 participants hailing from Austria, Honduras, the United Kingdom and 41 states.

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.

“We have tweaked the route, made it more flat and will possibly be faster for runners,” said IMM Executive Director Julie Patterson. “The course still runs along a number of scenic and well-known Indianapolis landmarks.”

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.

“This marathon is an excellent way to promote health and wellness and is an outstanding opportunity to reach out to the Indianapolis community,” said Robert J. Brody, St. Francis president and chief executive officer.

On the eve of the race, 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.

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

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.