Indianapolis Marathon Releases Details of Weekend Event

Known for being flat and fast, the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and Half Marathon have once again attracted international fields of elite runners aiming for course records and fast times for the races taking place this Saturday in downtown Indianapolis.

• Men’s Marathon: Defending champion and University of Louisville grad Japhet Kipkoech of Kenya returns to the event against a strong field. Kipkoech held course record pace for most of the race last year and may threaten the current course record again. The 2014 Champion, Michael Eaton, and 2015 runner-up, Bryant Jensen, are also in the field.
  Event Record: 2:16:40 – David Tuwei, 2013

• Women’s Marathon: Butler University alumna and former Indy-resident Rosie Edwards leads the women’s field. Edwards ran 2:40:49 in the London marathon earlier this year. Also vying for the title are last year’s 3rd place finisher Kelby Laughner of Indianapolis and Olympic Trials qualifier Courtney Peterson of Chicago.   
  Event Record: 2:38:34 – Alana Hadley, 2014

• Men’s Half Marathon: NCAA Division I Steeplechase Champion Edwin Kibichiy makes his half marathon and road-racing debut in a field that includes Kiya Dandena, 4th place at the US Half Marathon Championships. Fishers High School Alumnus and All-American Jordan Kyle, as well as Butler alumnus and 2014 CNO Financial Indianapolis Half Marathon Champion Tom Anderson are also in the field.
  Event Record: 1:03:14 – Pius Nyantika, 2016

• Women’s Half Marathon: Bridget Lyons of the Atlanta Track Club returns to improve on her 3rd place finish from last year. She’ll be challenged by 2016 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Champion, Andie Cozzarelli, as well as 2015 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon Champion, Jebichi Yator.
  Event Record: 1:11:05 – Sasha Gollish, 2016

In addition to these world class athletes, a projected 19,000 more will aim to achieve their goals on race day. Runner’s World recently recognized the event as one of “10 Great Marathons to Qualify for Boston”, an objective for thousands of participants each year.

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is sold out for the 6th consecutive year. A waitlist is available for the marathon and participants will be allowed to register as space permits. Registration is open online for the half marathon, 5k and Kids Fun Run through October 31 and will be available at the 2017 Monumental Health and Fitness Expo, taking place at the Indiana Convention Center on November 2 and 3.
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About Beyond Monumental: Beyond Monumental provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages (both runners and walkers.) Beyond Monumental gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting youth programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles for young people, with an emphasis on working with urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools, donating more than $1,000,000 in nine years. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 20 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners’ World as one of “Ten Great Marathons for First Timers”. The 10th annual running is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2017. 
www.beyondmonumental.org