TRR Coach Natalie Lutz running the 2023 Indy Marathon.
Often overlooked in favor of the World Marathon Majors, the Indianapolis (Indy) Monumental Marathon is a flat, fast race perfect for PR-seekers and first-timers.
1. Pre-Race Zoom Call
With the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon coming up soon, we’re bringing veterans and first-timers together to ask questions, share insights and build some excitement heading into race weekend!
Join our drop-in Zoom call on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025 at 7:00 pm EST where first-time Indy runners can get answers from athletes and coaches who have run this race before.
Can’t make the call? We’ll record the call and share the link in the following week’s newsletter.
2. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Race Intel
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon course map.
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Start: Near the Indiana State House
Finish: Near the Indiana State House
Course type: Loop; take a look at this page for more course info
Boston Qualifier: Yes
Elevation gain: 302 feet/ 92 meters
Elevation loss: 302 feet/ 92 meters
Temperature:
Average high: 58°F/ 14°C Average low: 39° F/ 3°C
Tips from Coaches
“The half marathon and marathon start at the same time. So, especially if you are in the top corrals, be aware that the race goes out very fast. Try not to get caught up and pulled along with the half marathoners in the beginning. Run your own race and pace to avoid hitting the wall too early!” – Natalie Lutz
“Be extra vigilant of your footing and the road bifurcations during the first 3 miles. In 2024, there were a few pot holes in the beginning of the race.” – Natalie Lutz
3. Race Reports
Want even more intel on the Indy Marathon? Read some of the race reports from Team RunRun coaches:
Indianapolis Monumental Marathon elevation map. PC: findmymarathon.com
4. Shakeout Run
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
5. Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Coaching Info
At Team RunRun, we have 100s of wonderful, experienced coaches ready to help you crush your goals, regardless of your ability, budget, or lifestyle. Specifically, for Indianapolis Monumental Marathon race advice, here are some coaches to start with:
In this Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Race Report, Team RunRun coach Natalie Lutz shares her pro-tips on how to be your best on race day in Indy. Course knowledge, tips on pacing, and more – Enjoy!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Big race feel with small race simplicity! From the flight into Indianapolis to the packet pickup and actual race day, Indy does it best! There are several main hotels right at the starting line. I could literally use the restroom at my hotel 5 minutes before the race start and I easily entered my corral 3 minutes before the start. The crowds were awesome and the energy was contagious! Again, it has the big race feel without all the restrictions of a really large race.
The logistics of this race were extremely streamlined. The packet pick up and expo were super efficient and the gear available for purchase was high quality. The expo was exciting enough to pump up the athletes without being overwhelming like some of the really large races. It was thoroughly organized and the app was efficient and extremely helpful to provide the pertinent race information needed.
The actual race and course itself! The race was fast with some slight rollers to give your muscles a nice change up. There were some small stretches where the crowds thinned out but it was a nice mix of enough support with some time to reflect during the quiet spots. The half marathon and full race separation are extremely well marked, including a large arch to ensure you do not accidentally get pulled into the wrong race distance. The hydration and fuel stations were plentiful and well operated and the finish was monumental! As you come back into the city, the crowd is at its best! The finish line is epic and after you cross the line, there is the after party and plenty of places on the grass to rest and recover and just soak in the moment.
Also, the weather and the time of year at which this race takes place, it is usually cool enough to get great times!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
There were a few pot holes in the beginning of the race and it would have been helpful if there were some construction cones or warnings regarding upcoming medians/road bifurcations in the first few miles when the pack is super tight!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
This isn’t about the race, but the Indy airport has some “Tron” like multi colored light show when you’re leaving the airport!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I had the best race of my life and ran a PR just shy of a sub 3 marathon by 11 seconds! I also won my age group and received a unique award which was a poster of the race course with my name and time printed on it!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
I would suggest you be extra vigilant of your footing and the road bifurcations during the first 3 miles of the race.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Again, this has nothing to do with the race itself, but a silly mistake that as a seasoned runner, I should not have done—don’t eat spicy Italian the night before! 🤣
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The beginning pack, especially if you are in the top corrals, goes out very fast, so try not to get caught up and pulled along with the half marathoners in the beginning and run your own race to avoid hitting the wall too early!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, the course goes through the city of Indy and out to some neighborhoods then back into town! It’s the perfect amount of crowds with some quiet periods of reflection.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
In my opinion, it’s mostly flat with some small rollers at good points in the race to allow for muscle change up. I believe it’s categorized as “mostly flat” on findmymarathon.com. I had 361 ft of elevation according to Strava.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well-oiled and without a foil, my friend!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There is a lot of competition in this race. There was a very strong elite field with some big names. Indy is approximately the 15th largest marathon in the US, so plenty of strong competition to pull you along!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Logistics were great! Registration was super easy and I signed up about 2 months prior and it was super easy and the race app is also wonderful as it provides the pertinent information that runners really need without all the fluff. Again, the packet pick up and expo were super efficient and exciting without being overwhelming. There were also a lot of opportunities to take photos at the expo without waiting in lines and or having to pay like some of the other larger races I have been to are now doing.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They were abundant and well-organized. There were both plenty of hydration and fuel (Gu Rocktane gels) throughout the course!
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather was perfect around 52-56, cloudy with winds around 8 mph! The time of year and region for this race, has an excellent weather history.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
They provide enough hydration and fueling that you would not need to race with a hydration vest or any gear of that kind. You may need to carry a few extra gels depending on how many you typically take.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Spectator friendly!!! The crowds are fire, but it was super easy for my husband to watch me and find me immediately after the race.
How’s the Swag?
The swag was great —a really nice tech running t-shirt!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5 and I plan on making this a regular rotation in my text line up and I try not to go back to the same races!
Natalie Lutz is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.
Indianapolis Marathon Lessons Learned from Race Reports
Not much shade on the course, especially the latter miles, so have a hat/sunglasses and sunscreen
Beginning miles share the HM course as well, so don’t get caught up in the faster pace of the half marathoners
Flat for the most part, with some small rollers in the second half that you’ll feel all the more if you go out too hard
Course is more scenic than you’d expect and has some spectators throughout, but expect some quieter portions of the race
Be aware that not every aid station has Gatorade – the map shows Gatorade at every other station
Likely to be chilly at the start, but it has warmed up in the past and the later start helps at 8am
Have a plan for dry, warm clothes at the end because you’ll cool down quickly
The course meets back up with the half marathoners around mile 23, so you may find it more crowded and be ready to weave through walkers and slower half marathon runners
Course
Type:Lollipop type of course
Start/Finish Info: Same location
Hills: Minimal to small rollers throughout. Biggest hill from ~15-18.5 of ~60 feet
Locations of water stations: Water about every ~1.5 miles
Locations of electrolyte stations: Gatorade about every ~3 miles, offered at every other aid station. Clif energy products at 15.5 and 22, fruit at miles ~18 and 22
Spectator access
Access Locations: Check map for road closures for both full and half. May be difficult to get around town and on foot you can see a couple of different spots.
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
1- It’s my hometown race and I get to visit my brother, his wife, my nephew, and my niece
2- You get to run a lap on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It’s huge: 2.5 mile oval, and you are inside it for ~ 3 miles, which breaks up the race well
3- An 18 year-old took 16th place in 1:11:53 wearing Crocs. Steph pointed this out to me. I love this kid!! Here he is finishing:
Let’s get a close up on this style…
1) Crocs and socks: Pro move!
2) Wears race shirt for the race: Pro move!
3) Long shorts: Pro move!
4) Harry Potter glasses: Pro move!
5) Bib off-center: Pro-move!
6) Doesn’t even appear impressed with himself at the end: Pro move!
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Can be hard to get back to car after race if you have to cross the course because there are a lot of runners.
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
Many people will stop, kneel down, and kiss the “yard of bricks” at the start / finish line on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway while running the race (at around mile 8).
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
Personally, I did well holding back and finishing stronger. With so many people, it can be hard not to go out too fast.
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Race has seeding and a wave start to reduce congestion. Can even get seeded based upon 5K or 10K times. Even with seeding in the “B” corral (1:30 to 1:40 half marathon time), the race is very crowded initially. Definitely recommend submitting a seeding time, as the congestion would likely be much worse further back.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This was my 5th Indy Mini, so I did not learn much new.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Course is very flat. Basically three segments: Out to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (the track), around the track, and then back to downtown.
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
Urban course. Downtown Indianapolis is more interesting than most would expect, and running on the track is always a thrill for me.
Difficulty – is it a tough course
Very flat course
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized race. Large. Used to be (and may still be) nation’s largest half marathon.
Competition – is there a strong field?
It’s a huge race that attracts a lot of athletes that are just below the top tier professionals, with winning times that have been at or below 62 minutes.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Biggest logistical issue is race morning parking. Lots on the IUPUI campus (near start finish) were available for $6, but wise to plan on arriving 80 to 90 minutes prior to start to use them, especially if planning to gear check, warm up, and not be stressed out on time.
Aid Stations
Tons. Basically every 1.5 miles or so. Will have a couple misters out on hot days as well.
Weather and typical race conditions –
Normally 50s. Can be hot or cold. When hot and sun is out, running on the asphalt of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can be quite taxing.
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope.
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
Pretty easy to see runners twice on on way out to track and way back to finish. Better still in my mind is a very vibrant cheering stretch near the finish line.
Awards –
They used to give out a special award to the first 500 to the finish line. They may have discontinued this award in favor of multiple event participation medals.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
The start line is in the middle of a bunch of hotels, which means real bathrooms!
Even though I couldn’t tell you a single thing about the Indianapolis 500, running on the speedway was kind of fun
Lots of crowd support
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Everything that the race controlled was good. My legs were the only things that were problematic. And maybe my lungs.
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
I thought a woman fell down a ways up in front of me when we were running on the (very flat) speedway. Later I put the pieces together that she was kissing the yard of bricks. Which I then had to have explained to me
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I felt good warming up. And then I felt good when I got an empty garbage bag from some teenage volunteers taking out the trash at the end. Kept me from freezing on the way back to the car. Everything in between was so-so.
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
It’s really flat! Also, if you’re in a corral near the front, it never really feels crowded even with 30,000+ runners.
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
I often have race amnesia, and this is one of those times. I remember seeing a frozen yogurt shop, and running on the speedway, but that’s about it. I think it was mostly on residential streets? Could have been some industrial thrown in there, but I’m really not sure.
Difficulty – is it a tough course
Was for me ???? But, as I’ve mentioned, it’s flat, for better or for worse.
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Super well organized from packet pick up, to the start line, to so many great volunteers along the way.
Competition – is there a strong field?
Men’s winning time was 1:02 and women’s was 1:11, with lots of people in that range. 5 seconds separated men’s 1st and 2nd place. So yes!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
I’m not sure. I got registered without me even knowing it a year ahead of time!
Aid Stations
Every mile I believe, on both sides of the road, with water and Gatorade
Weather and typical race conditions –
I think it’s typically somewhat warm. This year it was sunny and low 60s. Got cloudy when I was at about mile 11 (or at least that’s when I noticed it)
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nope
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
I’m not familiar with the area, so I don’t really know
Awards –
Medals for finishers and additional “first 500” medals for the first 500 people to cross the finish line.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
The race was extremely organized, especially for that many people!
The crowds were amazing! There were so many local bands, cheerleaders, and spectators which kept the energy high
Getting to run the racetrack and “kiss the bricks” was something I’ll never forget!
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
There were so many runners! I was in Corral 3 so there were a lot of people that would randomly stop and walk but didn’t get to the side, so I was dodging and had trouble keeping pace
The weather was warmer then I prefer (which you can’t really control of course!).
Running the racetrack was great but I almost got injured (my heel got stepped on) because it was so narrow and runners were stopping to take pictures…I totally understand wanting to capture the moment, and I’ve done it before, but there was a lack of running etiquette in my opinion.
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
I really didn’t think there was anything weird about this race!
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I got to see Meb! I never knew who he was until Matt had me watch his drill videos! Basically, he was the last person to start and they had a contest to see how many people he could pass. I saw him and his crew around 9.5 miles and it gave me that extra boost to keep going!
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Be prepared for any type of weather. During the race it went from warm and sunny to overcast and rainy, all within a few hours!
Be prepared for a lot of people and get there early enough.
Parking didn’t seem too bad if you parked a few blocks away and just walked to the start.
It is not a very “spectator friendly” course in the sense of people seeing you in several different spots
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
I wouldn’t say it was necessarily pretty, but it was filled with wonderful spectators throughout the entire course. Running the racetrack and being on the “big screen” was pretty cool too! My mom actually got to see me “kiss the bricks” from the finish line!
Difficulty – is it a tough course
The actual course was about as flat as they come!!
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This was the most organized race I’ve ever run! Tons of water stops, medics, and port-a-potties. The finish line was awesome too and the corrals were well organized at the starting line.
Competition – is there a strong field?
I’m not a very fast runner but I’m guessing the competition was pretty good with so many runners attending.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen
I registered 5 mths in advance but it was pretty easy and no lottery. I stayed downtown with a friend and my parents booked a hotel about 20 minutes away. They met us downtown and we walked to the start…pretty easy overall! I’d imagine if you wanted to get a hotel downtown you might have to book a little earlier, though. I can honestly say this was the least stressed I’ve ever felt at a race before.
Aid Stations
More then I’ve ever seen before!
Weather and typical race conditions –
Started in the high 50’s and ended in the low 70’s. It was a little warm for my taste but could’ve been worse. The rain started when I was at mile 12 but it was refreshing and didn’t last long.
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Normal gear is good :). I had my own water belt to try and avoid some of the water stops since there were so many people
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
As I mentioned above, unless you are running to certain spots, it’s not very spectator friendly
Awards –
I got a medal…not sure what the top finishers received
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
Overall I give it 4 stars. Highly recommend for the bucket list, but I’m not sure if I’d do it again.
