Running News Daily

The 2020 Financial Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis will go virtual this year, organizers announced Friday

The marathon, which organizers say is one of the largest in the United States, typically attracts runners from all 50 states and over 25 countries, according to a news release. 

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the November event will now be all virtual. Organizers said they worked with city officials and medical providers to come to the decision. 

"Beyond Monumental is fortunate to have a significant support system in place, and we feel a deep responsibility to keep everyone involved as safe and healthy as possible," the new release states.

Registrants have the option of going virtual, deferring to 2021 or donating their entry to the Monumental Kids Movement. 

Organizers are still reviewing in-person options for the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben scheduled for Oct. 3. 

Thomas Jeschke hopes to break world record at Monumental Marathon while wearing pajamas

Runners from all over the world will descend into Indianapolis this weekend for the 12th running of the CNO Financial Monumental Marathon.

The course starts downtown before making its way to the Warehouse District, Cultural Trail, Butler University, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Broad Ripple.

It’s known for being fast and flat, becoming a destination for elite runners looking to break records.

And if you think running 26.2 miles sounds hard, try running 26.2 miles in pajamas.

That’s exactly what Indy native Thomas Jeschke plans to do on Saturday.

“There are all types of these world records, but I’m trying to break the world record for fastest marathon in pajamas,” said Jeschke.

That current time is 3 hours 7 minutes. Jeschke is aiming for 3 hours flat.

It’s a time this race lover could break.

Thomas found his passion for running while in track at Decatur Central High School. He later received a scholarship to run track at Marion University and has run several races in Indianapolis.

“I qualified for my first Boston Marathon at the Carmel Marathon,” he said.

Jeschke plans to run his fourth Boston Marathon in April.

“Running is one of life’s hidden treasures. I feel better, I sleep better, food even tastes better. Try running for a mile, even every other day, for six weeks and you’ll get used to feeling better,” Thomas said.

Jeschke said Saturday’s pajamas must be a matching button-down set, complete with a hat and tassel.

He said he knows running a marathon in pajamas is different, but he also says that’s why he’s doing it.

“It puts us on the map. I would love for it to be a thing. We should have more of these records being broken at Monumental. Hype up the race and bring more racers and competition to Indianapolis. That’s kind of one of the outcomes I’d like to see,” Jeschke added.

Jeschke said he needs help getting proof he’s indeed wearing pajamas at each mile.

“If you see me on Saturday, take a picture, put it on social media so we can get that evidence,” he said.

Saturday’s race is expected to draw record-breaking numbers.

Beyond Monumental, the organization behind the race, said they expect 19,000 runners on Saturday, not including elite runners.

Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Expects Most Competitive Elite Fields in their history for this year

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 9 in downtown Indianapolis. In addition to the $12,000 prize purse, a $1,000 bonus incentive is on the line for any American athlete who runs a time standard to qualify for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon. Expected contenders are as follows:

The men’s marathon top contenders consists of many athletes who have already qualified for the 2020 Olympic Team Trials. The close personal bests (PR’s) of Juris Silenieks (Bath, MI, PR 2:17:37), Mark Leininger (Colts Neck, NJ, PR 2:17:51), Jonathan Mott (Lakeland, FL, PR 2:18:35), and Nate Guthals (Olathe, KS, PR of 2:18:38) could make for an exciting race. Jake Polerecky (Flagstaff, AZ) is making his marathon debut and could also be among the top contenders.

Four-time Olympic Team Trials Qualifier Dot McMahan (Oakland Township, MI) is expected to lead the race in a field that has 52 women seeded at the Olympic Trials Standard of 2:45:00 or faster. Three-time Olympic Team Trials Qualifier Amanda Scott (Boulder, CO) qualified for her first trials at the 2012 Indianapolis Monumental Marathon and is also in contention. Melissa Johnson-White (Fairport, NY) has qualified for the Olympic Team Trials four times, and is aiming for her fifth qualification on November 9.

In addition to these world class athletes, a projected 19,000 more will aim to achieve 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.

Beyond Monumental provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages. 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 $1.3 million in 11 years. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 15 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners’ World as one of “Ten Great Marathons for First Timers”.