Indianapolis Marathon

Indianapolis Marathon

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Overview

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.

Indianapolis Marathon 2026 race day

The next Indianapolis Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 1 November 2026 with a 7:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 92 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.

Indianapolis Marathon course route

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.

Indianapolis Marathon route map

Indianapolis Marathon course map and route

Official course map — view on race website

Indianapolis Marathon elevation profile

The Indianapolis Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations 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.

Entry requirements

The Monumental Marathon uses open online registration at monumentalmarathon.com for the November race. The field of around 4,500 finishers is allocated first-come, first-served with no ballot or qualifying standard. Early registration opens in spring and the flat downtown Indianapolis course typically sells out before race week.

Indianapolis Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

Marathon course at Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Indianapolis Marathon elevation profile?
The Indianapolis Marathon has 92 metres of total climbing and 92 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 0 metres of net change from start to finish.
Where can I find the Indianapolis Marathon route map?
This page includes a Indianapolis Marathon course map showing the full 42.195 km route from start to finish. The official course map is published at www.monumentalmarathon.com/. Passes the Indianapolis Motor Speedway area and the Canal Walk.
How long is the Indianapolis Marathon?
The Indianapolis Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Starts and finishes at Monument Circle.
What time does the Indianapolis Marathon start?
The 2026 Indianapolis Marathon starts at 7:30 am local time on Sunday, 1 November 2026. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.monumentalmarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
What is the official name of the Indianapolis marathon, and why?
The race's official name is the Monumental Marathon, named for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument at Monument Circle — the iconic limestone column at the heart of downtown Indianapolis that anchors the course and serves as the symbolic centrepiece of the event.
Does the Monumental Marathon course pass Monument Circle?
Yes. Monument Circle is the centrepiece of the Monumental Marathon route. Runners pass through it multiple times, giving spectators a natural gathering point and allowing the race to showcase one of downtown Indianapolis's most photographed landmarks.
How flat is the Monumental Marathon course?
The Monumental Marathon course is remarkably flat with only about 92 metres of total climbing — one of the flattest major urban marathons in the Midwest. The pancake-flat downtown streets and tree-lined residential neighbourhoods offer almost no sustained hills.
Is the Monumental Marathon a recommended race for a Boston Qualifier?
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.
When is the Monumental Marathon held?
The Monumental Marathon is held in early November, typically the first Saturday of the month, making it one of the earliest major fall marathons in the region and a great tune-up target before Thanksgiving.

Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.

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