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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: 218 [displaying comments 51 to 61]
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N. S. from Arvada, CO
(11/3/2014)
"One of my faves so far" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I chose this marathon based on the comments I read on this site from previous marathons and I wasn't disappointed. Downtown hotels are numerous and close to the start line and they didn't seem to raise the prices just because a marathon was in town. Other than the cold and the wind, the marathon went off without a hitch. I even saw vendors stocking gloves during the Expo and they were cheap! Although spectators were few, the ones that were out were enthusiastic and the volunteers were great. The social media was informative and the race seems to really care about the runners. The course was interesting, and I can't tell you what a thrill it was to make one of the final turns and see the downtown skyline before me. The approach to the monument was especially cool. There was a 'big-hair' band around mile 23(?) where one of the band members had a 'running sucks' shirt on. It cracked me up. Then the lead guitarist would run alongside the runners with his guitar. The only complaint I have is I think they may have run out of much of the food by the time I got through (and I still had 500+ runners behind me). All I saw was chocolate milk, a cookie, bananas and some rolls. I enjoyed this race immensely and am thrilled that I chose this race to run for a fall marathon. (Plus I got to lay in bed the next morning and watch the NYC Marathon knowing that my 26.2 was behind me!) | |
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R. B. from Pittsburgh, PA
(11/3/2014)
"A Great Experience" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This race was first class all the way. Everything about this race flowed smoothly from start to finish. The expo was very easy to navigate. Paid $5 for parking in a garage that was connected to the convention center in which the expo was held. I thought the expo was a perfect size. Plenty of vendors, lots of space to navigate, yet not so large so you could get through quickly. Race morning, we parked in the same garage that we did for the expo and it was again only $5. The convention center was open and had plenty of room as well as indoor restrooms. This was particularly nice on race morning due to the unseasonably cold weather. Walked out of the convention center and was only one small block from the starting corrals. The course was flat and fast as advertised. Crowds were out even with the cold temperatures. 27 degrees at the start and I think the temp only got up to about 35 during the race. With the sunshine, I thought it made for nice running weather. The winds were strong at times, but overall not too bad. Half course stayed with the full for the first 7 miles and then joined back up at mile 22 or 23. One thing I noticed was the amount of crowd support during miles 7 through 22. Ive noticed crowds usually are abundant during the half course, but not the full. This was not the case at the monumental. The crowds were a nice size during the last mile as we entered back into downtown. Ending was right at the capitol building which was scenic. Medal and race shirt were top notch. Finishers received both a finishers hat and type of light jacket instead of the blanket. Standing in the finishers area shaking hands was the founder of the race. He was there for a quick handshake and some encouraging words. This race is fantastic. I would HIGHLY recommend running the IMM. | |
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J. G. from Pittsburgh, PA
(11/2/2014)
"Ok but expected more from Indy" (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 This race lacked the urban feel that I was expecting. You run the first three miles through downtown Indy, but don't see the city again until the finish. Some runners can appreciate the more laid back route of running past homes and trees, but I prefer experiencing the city more. Overall, Indy is relatively flat with few turns. The course is only partially closed in some areas so traffic was backed up and moving along side runners. Fluid stations were small and lacked proper staffing causing runners to slow down at each stop. I also didn't see many toilets throughout the course which could be problematic for some. There weren't many spectators throughout the course, but it was VERY cold so it was forgivable. With that being said, miles 18-24 were even more of a mental challenge being as quiet as it was. The expo was ok. It had enough to make it worthwhile, but was very small compared to other races similar in size (Pittsburgh, Detroit). I've experienced smaller races that offered more (Akron). If you can register early enough in the year then this race is a very good value. However, I would avoid paying some of the higher fees that appear closer to the race date. I would do this race again, but only the half. The full left a lot to be desired. | |
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M. S. from Carmel, IN
(11/2/2014)
"Awesome race" (about: 2014)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Indianapolis Monumental Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 I've run this race every year it has been hosted; half in 2008 and the full every year since. The course is extremely flat (to the point that small rises seem 'big'). I've BQ'd every time I've run the full and ran to a new PR on the course yesterday (2:42:30). The organization of the start is excellent and the volunteers at the water stops are great. There can be some broken pavement on course but runners are usually a helpful bunch and are quick to point trouble spots out to other runners. The course winds through some great parts of Indy; spectators can be sparse at times. I plan to run this race every year that I'm able. | |
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B. V. from Troy, Ohio
(12/17/2013)
"Fast, flat and cool. Great marathon." (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 2 Indianapolis Monumental Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great marathon to run a fast time. Downtown Indianapolis is a great location, very easy to get to, plenty of hotels and parking, everything is within a short walk. Plenty of places for a post race beer, or sample some wine. There were a few streets that were a little rough and you had to watch your footing, but all in all a very nice course. A little congested for the first few miles, to be expected. Thinned out enough by mile 3 to easily maintain pace. The only real negative was the pasta dinner could have been better, they ran out of food and people had to wait. The dinner in 2012 was phenomenal, hopefully they bring this back. | |
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D. S. from Nashville, TN
(12/9/2013)
"Flat and Fast! I BQed! Loved this race!" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Loved everything about this marathon. It was my 5th marathon and I PRed/BQed. Comments talking about hills baffle me as I don't remember a single hill up or down. It was amazingly flat! I am from Tennessee and I guess I am just used to hills. Good organization with very frequent water stops (seemed like they came every mile). I stayed at Embassy Suites right at Start/Finish and it was super convenient. They have a daily free happy hour which turned into a runner Meet and Greet both Friday and Saturday nights. Really fun to talk to other runners and share stories! My only complaints (and they are few): course was congested until about mile or 10 (this turned in to a good thing for me, because it kept me from coming out to fast); road surfaces were poor (I was told that it is due to cold climate in Indy); and head wind coming to finish line was brutal (only God can change that, I guess). If you want to run a well organized race that is fast - choose IMM! | |
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Bob Kroeger from Cincinnati
(11/24/2013)
"Monumental is memorable!" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I won't repeat the positives that other runners have already mentioned: the flatness of the course, the perfect temps (40 at the start, 50 at the finish), good organization, and cheerful volunteers. What surprised me was that the city area, at least around the downtown hotels and race start and finish, was not only exceptionally clean but very safe. We never saw any suspicious people (like you often see in big cities) while walking at night and we didn't see the litter that seems to inevitably accumulate on big city streets. Refreshing. We stayed at the Westin, which was close to the start and finish and very accommodating to a late checkout. The course was more scenic than I thought it would be. Pleasant neighborhoods and lots of trees, which always break up the monotony. Another surprise: no dilapidated sections of town to run through that again are common in city marathons. Nice job with the route, guys! All in all, this marathon is worth repeating! Congrats to the marathon organizers! It will grow. | |
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J. E. from Indiana
(11/19/2013)
"Solid Fall Marathon" (about: 2013)
11-50 previous marathons
| 2 Indianapolis Monumental Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 I enjoyed this race...it's a very runnable course (with one exception, see below). Water stops are well positioned, the hills are really minimal. My only concern was how crowded the course became, particularly on the north portion of Meridian Street. Wedged into a single lane of a busy city street, I had no room to really run my pace without worrying about tripping someone or tripping myself. I'm sure they will work this out. It's a nice race...I really liked the post race arrangements and food. | |
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D. R. from Boston, MA
(11/16/2013)
"Flat, fast, scenic" (about: 2013)
50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Thank you to Heather Ladd, registration coordinator who allowed me to participate in this race. I am trying to finish up the 50 states and it gets hard at the end.... | |
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Thomas Allred from Michigan
(11/14/2013)
"Small town feel in a big time marathon" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 115 runners under 3 hours out of 3500. That will tell you the course is fast. Hotels located at the start. Flat course, except some downhill towards the end, which my hammy was not used to. Great crowd. Well run event. I would do it again. Yes, I Pr'ed as well, even after a fade. |
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