“The response and depth of enthusiasm among runners is truly impressive,” said IMM Executive Director Julie Patterson. “I think our venue, coupled with the time of year and course layout, continues to stir interest in the international running community.”
Runners from 47 states have signed up, and so have participants from Australian,
Last year’s IMM registered 6,000; the inaugural event in 2008 attracted 3,100 runners
The race features a full marathon (26.2 miles) a half marathon (13.1 miles). An inaugural 5K run – sponsored by local engineering architectural firm HNTB – also is on tap.
All courses begin near
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 2011 Boston Marathon.
St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers continues in its role as title sponsor of the IMM. The hospital provides a variety means of support, but perhaps the most significant is providing a full medical team ready to assist runners along the course and at a St. Francis Sports Medicine-staffed area near the finish line. Jeff Peterson, M.D., leads a team of physicians, nurses, physical therapists and trainers.
Several lndianapolis-area educational institutions will get a leg up on their programs. The IMM donates its proceeds to those organizations. Last year’s donations exceeded $51,000.
To register for the IMM go to http://monumentalmarathon.com.
More information about the St. Francis Sports Medicine program is at www.stfrancishospitals.org/Ortho/DesktopDefault.aspx?tabindex=4&tabid=54.
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