Next race
Saturday, 7 November 2026
8:00 am start
Distance
42.195 km / 26.2 mi
Urban road
Elevation
Rolling · 92 m gain
92 m climbing
Race profile
The Indianapolis Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Indianapolis, United States. The course starts and finishes at Monument Circle. The route passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway area and the Canal Walk. Mostly flat with gentle undulations.
Indianapolis Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Approximately 4,500 finishers
Course & terrain
The Indianapolis Marathon is a city loop that starts and finishes at Monument Circle and takes in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway area and the Canal Walk. The downtown and canal-side stretches are the easiest because they stay mostly level, the subtle rollers and long open sections are tougher late on, and spectators are strongest at Monument Circle, along the Canal Walk, and near the Speedway side of the course.
The Indianapolis Marathon course is rolling over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 92 metres of climbing and 92 metres of descent, with minimal net elevation change from start to finish.
Rolling · 92 m gain — approx. 218 m above sea level
↑ 92 m · ↓ 92 m · net 0 m
Registration
For the Indianapolis Marathon, yes. The combination of a very flat course, cool November temperatures typically between 5–12 °C, and a competitive field with quality pace groups makes the Monumental Marathon one of the most popular BQ races in the Midwest.
Getting there
Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
13 km / 8 mi
Race footage
Common questions
Official resources
Last updated 11 October 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
Close to this race
Other races closest to Indianapolis.
The Carmel Marathon draws approximately 1,200 finishers each April on a suburban road in Carmel, United States. It is notable for how smoothly the course runs through Carmel's distinctive roundabout network. The route passes Monon Trail-adjacent streets, roundabout-lined boulevards, and manicured suburban neighborhoods. The course is very flat throughout.
Next race: Saturday, 17 April 2027
The Flying Pig Marathon is Cincinnati's beloved spring race, drawing about 10,000 finishers through the city's seven hills and across the Ohio River. Named for Cincinnati's pork-industry heritage, the Pig features enthusiastic local crowds, a tour of downtown, Eden Park, and the riverfront, and a finish festival at Sawyer Point. May weather and rolling terrain make it a challenging but festive Midwest marathon.
Next race: Saturday, 1 May 2027
The Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon draws approximately 2,200 finishers each April through Louisville in the lead-up to the famous horse race. The course passes Churchill Downs, the Ohio River waterfront, and the Cherokee Park loop on rolling Kentucky terrain. April's Derby-season atmosphere and the mini-marathon tradition make it one of America's most festive spring marathons.
Next race: Saturday, 24 April 2027
The Cape Cod Marathon draws approximately 1,400 finishers each October on a scenic coastal road in Falmouth, United States. Its autumn timing captures Cape scenery after summer crowds fade. The route passes sea inlets, cranberry-country roads, and breezy sections with Buzzards Bay views. Rolling terrain with moderate climbs shapes the middle miles.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Bank of America Chicago Marathon winds through 29 diverse neighbourhoods of the Windy City. Known for its flat, fast course and enthusiastic Midwest crowds, Chicago has hosted landmark performances including Kelvin Kiptum's previous men's world record (2:00:35, 2023) and Ruth Chepngetich's all-time women's record (2:09:56, 2024). It remains a favourite for runners chasing Boston qualifying times.
Next race: Sunday, 11 October 2026
The Columbus Marathon draws approximately 4,500 finishers on an urban road in Columbus, United States. The course starts and finishes at North Bank Park (311 W Long St). The route passes the Ohio Statehouse, Short North, Ohio State University, German Village, and Nationwide Children's Hospital. Very flat throughout.
Next race: Sunday, 18 October 2026
Planning guides
Practical guides to help you plan, train for, and run this race.
Which US marathons produce Boston qualifiers in practice — course data, typical BQ rates, and how to match a race to your qualifying window.
What flat, rolling, and hilly really mean — and how to read elevation gain, net change, and altitude on a marathon course.
How temperature, humidity, wind, and rain affect marathon performance — and how to use typical race-day weather when choosing a start line.
