International and Local Elites alike Chase Course Records & Fast Times
October 26, 2016 - 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 Saturday November 5 in downtown Indianapolis.
- Men’s Marathon: Indianapolis-based elite Jesse Davis will attempt to defend his title. Davis qualified for the Olympic Trials at the event in 2015, shortly before representing the United States at the IAU 50km World Championships in Qatar. He will be challenged by University of Louisville grad Japhet Kipkoech of Kenya and 3x NCAA Division II National Champion Michael Crouch of Morehead, KY.
Event Record: 2:16:40 - David Tuwei, 2013
- Women’s Marathon: With no clear front runner, the women’s marathon could produce a competitive race and fast times. Andie Cozzarelli of Raleigh, North Carolina is returning to the Monumental course after qualifying for the Olympic Trials Marathon with her 2nd place finish in the half marathon in 2014.
Event Record: 2:38:34 - Alana Hadley, 2014
- Men’s Half Marathon: Guatemalan Olympian and 3x World Championships participant Luis Orta leads the field. Expected to challenge him are University of Louisville All-American Ernest Kibet and 7x Division II All-American Ryan Kienzle.
Event Record: 1:03:35 - Robert Wambua, 2013
- Women’s Half Marathon: Rochelle Kanuho of Team Northern Arizona Elite will lead a strong field that includes international athletes Tina Muir of Great Britain (competed at World Half Marathon Championships) and Sasha Gollish of Canada (Pan Am Games Bronze medalist at 1500m).
Event Record: 1:12:39 - Alisha Williams, 2014
The second largest running organization in the United States, Atlanta Track Club, will begin preparation for the 2020 Olympics by bringing several competitors for the half marathon. Among them are U.S. Olympic Trials competitors Sallie Post and Bridget Lyons. Also competing in the half marathon are 7x NCAA Division II All-American Andrew McLain and Ivy League 10,000m Champion Matt McDonald. Atlanta Track Club is coached by U.S. Olympian and Indiana native Amy Begely and her husband Andrew Begely (also a native Hoosier). The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon had the 7th most qualifiers for the USA Olympic Team Trials Marathon in the previous Olympic cycle.
In addition to these world class athletes, a projected 19,000 more will be achieving 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 5th consecutive year, and the Half Marathon just announced a record field size of 10,000 participants. Limited spots remain in the half marathon and 5K. Registration is open online through 11/1 and is available at the 2016 Monumental Health and Fitness Expo, taking place at the Indiana Convention Center on November 3rd and 4, 2016.
About Beyond Monumental
Beyond Monumental is a 501 (c)3 that 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 $875,000 in eight 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 9th annual running is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2016.
Website: BeyondMonumental.org.
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