CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
The Lowdown
The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, first held in 2008 and grown steadily into one of the Midwest’s premier fall marathons, celebrates Indianapolis’s civic landmarks and community spirit. Over nearly two decades the race has become a signature event for the city, attracting competitive road racers aiming for personal bests and Boston qualifying times as well as recreational runners and relay teams. Organized by local race professionals with strong volunteer support, the event emphasizes accessibility, race-day logistics, and charitable partnerships that reflect its roots in the Indianapolis running community. The course is a fast, largely flat tour of downtown Indianapolis and neighboring neighborhoods, showcasing Monument Circle and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, the scenic White River and Canal Walk, and tree-lined residential sectors that add variety and shade. Runners experience broad, well-paved streets, typically calm autumn weather, and lively spectator support with bands, cheer zones, and neighborhood aid stations that create a festival-like atmosphere. The race is USATF-certified and a recognized Boston Qualifier, with course measurement standards consistent with national and international timing practices; it also participates in AIMS-level certification protocols. Whether targeting a qualifier, a new PR, or a first marathon finish, participants consistently report a well-organized event with enthusiastic crowds, clear course markings, and excellent race-day amenities.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
Medium-sized race
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Good crowd energy
Boston Qualifier
This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.
Monument Circle
Features the iconic Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis.
Lucas Oil Stadium
Home of the Indianapolis Colts, a major sports landmark.
Butler University
A scenic campus along the course.
Newfields (Indianapolis Museum of Art)
A cultural hub with beautiful grounds.
Other distances available during the event weekend:
Indianapolis, IN, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Official Hotel Partner PortalVerified
This race offers exclusive rates and guaranteed entry packages through their official travel partner. Booking through the portal is recommended.
Eligibility
- Be at least 16 years old on race day (2026-11-07)
- Complete online registration and pay applicable entry fees by published deadlines
- Sign and accept the race waiver and release of liability during registration or bib pickup
- Provide proof of age if requested by race officials
- No professional or pacer entries without race authorization; qualifying time not required for general entry
- No strollers, bicycles, rollerblades, or pets allowed on the course
- Follow all race rules, course signage, and instructions from race officials and volunteers; failure to comply may result in disqualification
- Medical clearance recommended for participants with pre-existing conditions; on-course medical support provided
Required Documents
- Government-issued ID
Entry Methods
- Online registration
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Registration Cancellation:
You can cancel your registration at any time by contacting the race organizers, but all fees are non-refundable.
No refunds or deferrals are offered, regardless of the reason.
Alternative Options:
Category Change: You may switch to a different race distance if space is available.
Virtual Option: You can transfer to the "Marathon in a Month" program.
Registration Transfer: You can transfer your entry to another runner.
Donation Option: You may donate your registration fee to the Monumental Kids Movement.
Event Cancellation:
The race may be delayed, shortened, or canceled due to extreme weather, safety concerns, or city-wide emergencies.
No refunds or transfers will be provided if the event is canceled for any reason.
The course weaves through downtown Indianapolis and past iconic landmarks including Monument Circle, the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, White River State Park, and the Indiana War Memorials, offering varied urban and park scenery.
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is known as a fast, relatively flat Boston-qualifying course that attracts both elite and recreational runners looking for PR opportunities.
Weekend events include a Health & Fitness Expo with packet pickup, a kids’ mile and youth activities, and pre-race community pasta dinners hosted by local charities.
All finishers receive a custom finisher medal and technical shirt, and the post-race festival on Georgia Street features food vendors, a beer garden, and medical/recovery services.
There are plentiful aid stations roughly every 1.5–2 miles with water, sports drink, and gels on key points of the course; participants are advised to use public transit or park in designated lots downtown and arrive early to avoid traffic and road closures.
Community
Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.
Community Reviews
Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.