A few weeks ago, my husband along with 14,000 others participated in one of the events of the Monumental Marathon (which included a full/half marathon as well as a 5K course). It was a glorious and sunny fall day which definitely helped in making this event such an asset to Indianapolis.

This year marked its eighth running with a record number of finishers, making it currently in the top 20 largest in the country. Runners hailing from 49 states and 10 countries were present this year. Given its awesome course it is no surprise why!

No offense to the mini-marathon; I run it about every year, and it is a great and fun event. Running around the IMS track is pretty cool. But, other than that, the route isn't particularly interesting, in my opinion. On the other hand, I feel The Monumental course highlights several landmarks and neighborhoods that make our city one of the best in the country.

The race begins in the heart of downtown and immediately passes by Lucas Oil Stadium. It then heads over to the vibrant and hip area of Mass. Ave area where I, along with other small business owners stood cheering on the runners holding my "high five" posters for them to slap. Seeing them smile and go out of their way to give it a hit was inspiring!

After heading north through historic Northside, the course heads up into my beloved 'hood of Meridian-Kessler around mile 10. Hundreds if not thousands of residents were out to support the athletes; Including some more jovial folk who were hanging out Dixie cups of beer and bacon :).

After passing by Broad Ripple at the halfway point, the run heads south on Meridian St. towards Butler University where the coeds were out passing out water and energy gels to the growingly weary, yet appreciative, participants. After passing through the IMA gardens, the course eventually leads them back downtown where thousands of people emphatically congratulated the finishers as the crossed the line for their last step.

On top of having a world class course, the Monumental Marathon organizers also boast charitable contributions to the community. This year alone, it raised $141,000 for public education which included the IPS Education Foundation, Simon Youth Foundation, and Teachers Treasures.

In regards to wellness promotion, the Monumental Kids Movement, launched in 2013, is a 9-week youth running program focusing on exercise, diet and healthy living. Seventy-five percent attendance is required during the bi-weekly program and the students earn a free 5K entry. About 1000 finished the 5K this year, and one was my friend's 9-year-old daughter who finished her first organized race and had an amazing experience. What a cool program!!

Lastly, the Apex Monumental Challenge is directed toward employee wellness which encourages friendly competition between Indiana based employers. Over 30 companies and 500 employees participated.

As you hopefully gather, this event is a positive and asset not only to one's health and wellness but to the community as a whole. If you have ever thought about trying one of the events yourself, I say go for it!! Or at the very least go out and volunteer or cheer those rocks stars on ;).

One last point, I understand that the road closures can be frustrating at the least, but it's one morning a year so hopefully all of the positive attributes of this event make the small hassle worthwhile. Til next time readers!!!