“The response and
depth of enthusiasm among runners is truly impressive,” said IMM Executive
Director Blake Boldon. “I think our venue, coupled with the time of year and
course layout, continues to stir interest in the international running community.”
More than 3,500
participated in IMM’s 2008 inaugural run and has grown significantly each year.
The event is the largest of its kind in Indiana. Last year’s marathon
included more than 10,000 participants from 42 states, including participants
from Canada, Germany, Great Britain and Kenya.
Franciscan
St. Francis Health continues in its role as presenting sponsor of the
Monumental Marathon and Half Marathon. The hospital provides a variety means
of support, but perhaps the most significant its full medical team, headed by Jeffrey
Peterson, MD, to assist runners along the course and at a Franciscan
St. Francis Sports Medicine-staffed area near the finish line.
“Promoting
health and wellness benefits our entire community, particularly our youth,”
said Robert J. Brody, St. Francis chief executive officer and president.
"Truly, the marathon is a test of endurance for athletes and we are proud
to return as presenting sponsor of this event.”
The
race, which steps off at 8 a.m., features a full marathon (26.2 miles) a half
marathon (13.1 miles). A 5K run – sponsored by local engineering architectural
firm HNTB – also is featured. A fourth featured race, the Kids Fun Run, is now
in its second year.
All
courses begin near Washington and West streets and finish on Robert D. Orr
Drive to the finish line, just steps away from the Indiana State Capitol
building.
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 2013 Boston Marathon.
Several
lndianapolis-area educational institutions will get a leg up on their programs.
The IMM donates its proceeds to those organizations. Since 2008, the IMM has
directly donated over $280,000 in proceeds to support local public education
with the Indianapolis Public Schools Education Foundation as the largest
beneficiary.
To register for the 2012 Indianapolis
Monumental Marathon, go to http://monumentalmarathon.com.
More information about the St. Francis Sports
Medicine program is at http://www.franciscanalliance.org/hospitals/indianapolis/services/sports-med/Pages/default.aspx.
