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Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Runner Comments
Back to Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Information & Reviews
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.5 
Spectators 3.8
Number of comments: 214 [displaying comments 191 to 201]
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T. N. from Cincinnati
(11/3/2008)
"Nice small marathon - no frills but a great run" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Good event. Not too crowded start or finish. Flat course with long straights. Moderate fan support and very friendly people. The timing device was big and stapled to the bib number. I like the idea of a disposable timing chip but this was a bit cumbersome. For the most part the course was easy to follow, but towards the end I was running alone and was unsure of direction around mile 18-20. I ran through one intersection where the officer never stopped the traffic; I think he just didn't see me, but fortunately, the drivers saw me. The half marathoners broke off early and rejoined the marathoners near the end of the race. The run lanes were divided, which kept me from having to dodge walkers. This would be a good course for those trying to reach Boston or run a PR. | |
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Dotty Maddock from Phoenix, AZ
(11/3/2008)
"Not bad for the first time!" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 3 Being that this was an inaugural race, it wasn't bad! The weather cooperated, there were plenty of hotels near the start and finish, the course was beautiful and tree-lined (with fall foliage), there were a reasonable number of porta-potties beforehand and on the course, and I would recommend this as a race to check off Indiana if you're going for 50 states. However, there were some areas for improvement or things to be aware of: 1. I registered and got a confirmation back via e-mail, but didn't show up on the website as being registered when I checked later. Somehow my registration got lost! So check to make sure you show up as registered, even if you get a confirmation back! 2. I sent an e-mail to the race director a few days before the race asking if there were any shower facilities available. I wasn't sure if I could get late hotel checkout, and the 8:00 a.m. start is sometimes a challenge in getting cleaned up afterward. I got a prompt response back to check at the "ask me" desk at packet pickup, which I did. The woman there chuckled like I was crazy and said, "No, there aren't any shower facilities." Fortunately, my hotel (Hilton Garden Inn) did allow late checkout, but be aware! 3. The packet pick up and post-award ceremonies are in the state capitol. What that means is that you need to go through security screenings every time you enter. Kind of a pain. Couldn't they have these events at a hotel or the nearby convention center? 4. They used the "chip in your bib" technology, which is somewhat antiquated and I'm not sure it was totally accurate (I know my half marathon split was off by a couple of minutes). I'm also pretty sure some of the mile markers were a little off. 5. They made it clear that clock time (not chip time) would be used for all awards (even age group). I think this helped add to the congestion at the start, where people definitely over-placed themselves. They also did not have clear pace markings, so you knew where to stand, and MANY walkers placed themselves right up in the front. You can see this in the results, when you look at the people who finished in 6 hours or so, but their chip time and clock time are the same. I suggest they put a big sign up for "WALKERS" to guide them to the appropriate starting position. 6. Maybe I missed it, but the only food I saw post-race were bananas and bagels. Kind of meager, but maybe I'm spoiled by recent races. 7. The results were posted in the capitol (again... security screening, including taking off your finisher's medal so you could go through the screening), and were VERY hard to read. With the small font and no age group award postings, it was a mess. I finally just went to the award desk and asked if I was in the top three in my age group. That should be fixed, if only to make it easier on the race director! So, I really don't want to be overly critical. The race did start on time (sometimes a problem with inaugural races), I had no problems with the aid stations (except the Gatorade seemed limited), and there are always those wonderful volunteers and spectators! I just loved the guy who shouted, "Only 5 more miles" at mile 21... he meant well! | |
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S. R. from Cincinnati, OH
(11/3/2008)
"Good event... I'm sure will only get better" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Overall, good for the inaugural event. I assume the years to come will only get better as the race coordinators seemed very committed and enthusiastic. I finished in just under 4 hours, and I found the water stations to be very well stocked. Great finishing medal. Spectators were sparse, especially throughout the neighborhoods, which is where runners really needed the support. Downtown area was great. Large number of hotels to choose from and things to do after the race. My biggest complaint was that they didn't have the running time posted on/by each mile marker. Also, both the text I received after the race as well as the email I received with results were both different and incorrect; results posted online were accurate, though. I'm sure they will work through these things for future races. Overall, good for a smaller-sized marathon. | |
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D. K. from Chicago, Illinois
(11/3/2008)
"Organizers need to work out the kinks." (about: 2008)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 4 Race-day number pickup is a big plus for a Saturday race. Gear check was convenient and easy. Plenty of port-o-potties. The lack of a clock at the start line is inexcusable, since there is no way of figuring out your differential between the gun time and chip time for those running without a watch. Not that it mattered on the course, as there was only a clock at the halfway point. Split times were called out rarely and sporadically (miles 3 and 6) at mile markers that seemed slightly long on my GPS during the first half. Mileage got more accurate as the race got into the later stages. Pre-race info listed Gatorade and gel at water stops, where neither were available; other stops had either or both where they were not expected (welcome nonetheless!). Big gap (~ 2 miles?) without a water stop in the early 20s. That late in the race, Gatorade is welcome/necessary at all stops. Race volunteers were gracious/excellent, but it seemed like organizers didn't have enough to meet their needs. Lakefront Marathon in Milwaukee has an arrangement with a local YMCA for runners to use their showers after the race; a similar arrangement here would be nice. Great course, but the middle isn't flat. Great spectators, especially the band playing in the front yard around Washington and 52nd. Police who were blocking traffic along the route did a superb job holding cars back for runners and letting traffic through as possible. In sum, the Monumental Marathon is a good place to run, but organizers need more clocks (especially one at the start) and more Gatorade on the course, especially towards the end. | |
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G. R. from Crawfordsville, Indiana
(11/3/2008)
"A very good inaugural effort." (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I ran this race as a pace leader and in general was quite pleased with the level of organization. There was some awkwardness with the start area: staging, toilets, and bag check were in front of the start rather than behind, which made the flow a bit weird. A few of the mile markers seemed to be off by quite a bit, which didn't help with the pacing effort, and there should have been Gatorade available at every stop rather than just sporadically. But the course was nice and had enough roll to it that you had to think a bit. There were not a lot of spectators, but those that were out were fairly enthusiastic, plus our pacing group was its own support. Volunteers were helpful and patient. Traffic control was great for the runners, but I suspect that were a lot of ticked off motorists in Indy on Saturday. The finisher's medal is nice. There is a lot Ken Long and Associates can work on to improve this race, but it has a lot of promise. I can see this becoming a destination race. | |
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J. B. from Bloomington, IN
(11/3/2008)
"A race that defines Indianapolis" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Indianapolis has a lot of road races that are well-organized and fun, but we've never had a race that truly sums up the Circle City till now. I loved this course: It runs through the historic parts of town during the first half, and saves the best part - running through the art museum's grounds - for the second half, when you need a lift. The weather was perfect, I liked the size (~1,000 runners, enough to keep you company but no problems with too many people on the course), and the parking and packet pickup were easy. It's a pretty flat course, but the scenery varies from Lucas Oil Stadium to the gorgeous mansions on the Old Northside to a pretty little subdivision called Arden to the aforementioned art museum. It was great to have the end coming down Meridian, too - you can see the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in the distance, urging you on. Ken Long and the race organizers have finally created a city-defining marathon that Indy deserves. (I love the Indianapolis Marathon too, but it isn't in the city proper - I think they complement each other well.) If there were any drawbacks, I suppose there could have been more spectators, but then if you want New York-sized crowds, don't run in Indianapolis. I'll do this one again. | |
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S. B. from Indianapolis, IN
(11/3/2008)
"flat, scenic route" (about: 2008)
2 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Great first race. Flat, fast course with few hills between 13-18. Scenic, shaded route. I had plenty of water and Gatorade. I also carried my own gels with me. More spectators than I anticipated. Better traffic control would be the only improvement. | |
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A. W. from Indiana
(11/3/2008)
"Awesome organization for an inaugural race!" (about: 2008)
4-5 previous marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The start and finish areas located in downtown Indianapolis were beautiful. Lots of hotels in the start area. The post-race recovery area was great and included all the essentials, plus more. Running this race was an excellent choice! | |
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The Rocket from Cincinnati, Ohio
(11/2/2008)
"A Star is Born" (about: 2008)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 Great first effort for the Indy Monumental Marathon folks. This race has a lot going for it, not the least of which is the fact that it is run on a SATURDAY. I drove from Cincinnati on race morning, parked 100 yards away from the start line for 5 bucks, walked a block to the beautiful state capitol building, and paid my entry fee and got a technical shirt with good graphics. Even the sponsor logos on the back were in multiple colors, so they spent some cash on the shirts. The weather was perfect, but I could imagine the nice, warm capital building being a great shelter for everyone to hang out in on future dates before the race if the weather is cold or if it is raining. This race was fairly lacking in the music/crowd support/excitement department, but that can be worked on. Seemed like they forgot the porta-potties out on the course in long stretches too. This city is built for a fast race, with its flat terrain and grid street pattern. The Monument Circle area is very dramatic and one of the best points of interest I have seen on a marathon course. The finish line is one of the better I have experienced as far as the logistics. You finish on a public square between two rows of buildings. You get about 150 yards for your moment of glory after you turn the last corner. They announce your name and where you are from. Once again, no music or hoopla, but still very nice. Someone that I am sure I was supposed to recognize shook my hand at the finish. The medal was top-notch and is one of my favorites. The space blanket, water and food are right behind the finish line and you don't even have to wait for someone to cut off your timing chip because it is disposable and on the back of your bib. The capitol is at the far end of the finish area and my car was less than 5 minutes away. Once the word gets out more about this marathon, it could become one of the fall classics. Even though the crowds were not out to cheer, I applaud the Indy Monumental Marathon and its volunteers. See you next year. | |
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M. L. from U.S.
(11/2/2008)
"Flat, Fast, Perfect Weather" (about: 2008)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I did the half this year in hopes of doing the full next year. I have done many Ken Long events and have always been impressed with their organization and support. The course (especially the half) is flat and the weather on race morning was perfect (50 degrees and little wind). My one gripe is the packet pickup, and the statehouse in general. Packet pickup on Friday afternoon in downtown is a pain between the traffic and limited parking around the statehouse at this time. Hopefully, KLA can utilize the convention center or one of the downtown hotels for pickup in the future. Post-race area at the statehouse can be a hassle, with the security check and the steps to climb on sore legs. I do not want to park for $5 for a 5-minute packet pickup, and I'm too tired to rob anyone after running a half/full marathon, so the security clearance to get in the statehouse post-race on a Saturday is pretty silly. |
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