Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Saturday, November 7, 2026
Elevation Gain
40m
Elevation Range
31m
Avg Temperature
45°F / 7°C
Course Profile
flat
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A fast, nearly flat urban loop course with just 40m of total elevation change, routing runners past the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and through the tree-lined Monon Trail before finishing at the iconic Monument Circle downtown. This is one of the Midwest's premier Boston Qualifier courses, with its defining feature being the IMS brickyard lap — the only marathon in the world where you run a full lap of a major motor racing oval.
Key Segments
Monument Circle to Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Terrain: Flat to gently rising urban streets from 218m to 240m, wide downtown grid transitioning to Speedway neighborhood
Challenge: The crowd-lined downtown start and the excitement of entering the IMS oval tempt aggressive early pacing
Tactic: Hold 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace through the downtown grid. Enter the Speedway controlled — the brickyard lap should feel easy, not exhilarating.
IMS Exit through Western Neighborhoods
Terrain: Gently descending from 236m to 210m through western Indianapolis and back toward Broad Ripple
Challenge: This is the quietest section of the course with less crowd support — mental focus can drift
Tactic: Stay engaged. This is where you settle into goal pace. Use the subtle downhill gradient to lock into rhythm without effort creep.
Broad Ripple and Monon Trail
Terrain: Gentle descent from 212m to 218m on smooth paved trail, heavy crowd support, tree-lined path
Challenge: The Monon Trail spectator energy at km 28-30 is a genuine morale boost that can tempt surging
Tactic: Carry goal pace through here — do not surge. Use the crowd energy to maintain form and stay positive, but save acceleration for the final 5km.
Downtown Return to Monument Circle
Terrain: Flat urban streets at 218-222m, wide boulevards past State Capitol to Monument Circle finish
Challenge: Late-race fatigue on flat terrain with no downhill assistance
Tactic: If you ran patiently, this is your payoff. The crowds build through downtown. Open up effort from km 38 and ride the energy to the Monument Circle finish.
Race-Specific Training
- •Run multiple long runs at or near goal race pace for the final 10-15km to rehearse the metabolic demands of the late race on flat terrain
- •Include 2-3 training runs in cold conditions (2-10°C) to prepare for November race-day temperatures and practice racing in gloves and layers
- •Train pacing discipline by running flat tempo runs with a GPS watch, developing acute feel for goal pace so race-day adrenaline does not push you out too fast
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Entirely at 210-240m above sea level. No altitude concerns.
Weather
Early November race. Typical temperatures 2-12°C (36-54°F) at the gun — excellent marathon weather. Occasional cold fronts can push temps near freezing; warm spells can linger into the 50s F.
Sun & Wind
Generally overcast November skies. Wind is modest in urban sections but can pick up along the White River greenway and on exposed boulevard stretches.
What to Wear
Layers you can shed early — throwaway long-sleeve over singlet. Carry gloves for the first 10km. Rain is possible; consider a light breathable jacket.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-13 | 5-10 sec/km slower than goal pace | Downtown and IMS. Resist the crowd energy. Enter the Speedway lap controlled. |
| km 13-26 | Goal pace | Quiet western neighborhoods. Settle into rhythm. Use the gradual downhill to lock in pace. |
| km 26-35 | Goal pace | Monon Trail crowds. Absorb the energy but do not surge. Maintain even effort. |
| km 35-42.195 | Goal pace or faster | Downtown finish. If patient early, accelerate from km 38 into the Monument Circle crowd. |
Race Day Tip
The IMS brickyard lap between km 10-13 is unlike anything in marathon running — enjoy the moment, but treat it as a race segment, not a tourist attraction. Runners who get caught up in the novelty often exit the Speedway 10-15 seconds faster than planned, which compounds into trouble after km 30.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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