Course Map
Route based on 2025 course — may differ slightly from this year.
About this Race
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is one of the fastest marathons in the United States, a flat course through the Indiana capital that has become a magnet for personal-best and Boston-qualifying attempts. The smooth, level roads and gentle layout put the entire emphasis on fitness and even pacing, with no meaningful climb to manage. Held in November, it delivers crisp, cool late-autumn conditions ideal for hard racing. The crowds are friendly and the organization sharp and runner-focused. It suits the dedicated PB chaser who wants a genuinely fast course and reliable cool weather late in the season.
Course Insight
Indianapolis Monumental is a flat, fast November course built squarely for personal bests, with cool late-autumn air and smooth, even roads. The flatness leaves pacing discipline entirely to you on the open early kilometres. Crisp conditions keep legs fresh and quick. There's little in the terrain to break rhythm. Hold back early and the level course pays back a fast, clean finish.
Difficulty Breakdown
Mostly due to very flat.
Course Details
- Course type
- Loop
- Elevation gain
- 83m
- Elevation loss
- 80m
- Highest point
- 237m
- Lowest point
- 213m
- Net elevation
- +3m
- Start
- South West Street
- Cutoff time
- 7h 0m
Course Records
- Men's
- 2:12:29 — Joseph Whelan (USA), 2025
- Women's
- 2:31:49 — Lindsey Bradley (USA), 2024
Race History
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon was first held in 2008 and quickly became one of the fastest marathons in the United States, a flat course through the Indiana capital. Its smooth, level layout made it a magnet for personal-best and Boston-qualifying attempts in crisp late-autumn conditions. From its founding it grew rapidly in popularity among time-focused runners. Held each November, it now draws a large field chasing fast times.
Plan Your Trip
Everything you need to know to get there, get settled, and get to the start line.
- Nearest airport(s)
- Indianapolis International (IND)
- Best area to stay
- Downtown by Monument Circle for walkable start/finish proximity, the canal area for scenic central stays, and Broad Ripple for characterful options.
- Getting to the start
- The start and finish are downtown near Monument Circle; walk from downtown hotels, as it's a compact central course.