Record roster of runners poised to pound pavement at Nov. 3 Indy Monumental Marathon

INDIANAPOLIS – Nearly 11,000 have registered for the 2012 running of the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and Half Marathon (IMM) and the number of participants is expected to increase by the time the race steps off Saturday, Nov. 3.

“The response and depth of enthusiasm among runners is truly impressive,” said IMM Executive Director Blake Boldon. “Our Midwest location, coupled with the time of year and course layout, continues to stir interest in the international running community.”

Runners from 45 states have signed up, and so have athletes from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan, Kenya, Mexico and Switzerland.

Last year’s race had more than 10,000 runners and walkers. 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. 

Franciscan St. Francis Health continues in its role as presenting sponsor of the IMM. 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 a Franciscan St. Francis Sports Medicine-staffed area near the finish line.

About the 2012 Race

The race, which steps off at 8 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 3, features a full marathon (26.2 miles) and 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, 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 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 view the race courses go to http://monumentalmarathon.com/course.php

About the IMM Expo

The two-day event will be held at the Indiana Convention Center-Hall D

(100 S. Capitol Ave.) on Thursday, Nov. 1 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; and Friday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

More than 40 exhibitors will be on site, displaying running gear and shoes, as well as the latest developments in sports, fitness and nutrition.

The following day, speakers will discuss a variety of topics:

Noon: Carlton Ray, IMM president and race founder. He will give a preview of the race course and discuss the history of the event since the inaugural race in 2008.

1 p.m.: Wesley Korir, 2012 Boston Marathon champion. He will discuss his marathon experiences and the charity work he has initiated in his native Kenya.

2 p.m.: Mason Cathey, assistant cross country coach, Butler University, and Olympic Trials finalist.

3 p.m. Nick Willis, a three-time Olympian and 2008 silver medalist. This New Zealand runner is expected to discuss his career and record-setting performances and share advice with IMM participants. Willis also is expected to be the featured speaker at the IMM Pasta Dinner at 6 p.m.

4 p.m.: Jim Crist, MarathonPacing.com. He will offer tips on how runners can set and reach their goals for the 2012 IMM.

5 p.m.: Robyn Fean, MD, of Franciscan St. Francis Sports Medicine, will discuss injury prevention.