Trailing through the auburn and golden leaves dangling from tree branches swarming Meridian Street are thousands of runners setting the tone and pace during Indianapolis’ six and a half hour race – Monumental Marathon. Highlighting the city’s scenic and historic places, the large crowds dominating the streets of downtown help contribute to a bigger cause that supports public education.
The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (IMM) is a not-for-profit that raises money through coordinated races during the year. Their biggest race of the year is set for Nov. 1 downtown and includes a marathon, half marathon, 5k and a Kids Fun Run.
In just six years, more than $500,000 has been donated to local education-based not for profits by IMM.
Blake Boldon, executive director of IMM said Indianapolis was one of the only major cities without a major marathon.
“In another few years we are hoping to create something iconic,” said Boldon, who competed in events ranging from the 1500 to the half marathon, finishing in the Top 10 in the U.S. four times. “It brings so many people here that our economic impact is over $1 million spent in hotel rooms, restaurants and retail. What really gets us into work every day is the mission to educate Indianapolis youth in proper nutrition, exercise and healthy living.”
One of the ways IMM contributes to youth education involves a nine-week youth running program held two days per week called Monumental Kids Movement. Kindergarteners through eighth graders who achieve 75 percent attendance earn a free entry into the 5k race. Currently 27 Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) and two charter schools participate in the program. In 2013, 16 schools and more than 1,300 students participated in the program.
Casey Collins, community outreach manager said from the program’s beginning last year, parents, students and teachers wanted to be a part of it.
“One day of the curriculum is based upon pure running activities and the second day is a running game,” he said. “Every day they also get a health tip. For example, before they leave they have to name a fruit, just so kids are aware of what they should be eating. It brings the conversation to the table.”
From 2010 to 2012 Indiana’s obesity rate increased from 29 percent to 31 percent according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In the early stages of the program, a pre-survey was conducted to assess the nutritional intake of those participating in the program. Over a two-month period the percentage of students aware of healthy habits and consuming healthy foods sparked dramatically. In one instance where students were asked if they ate any fruit yesterday, 325 of 707 students answered no in the pre-survey, but then that number dropped to 58 students in the post survey.
It is projected that more than 1,000 students will participate in this year’s 5k race due to the program’s educational benefits.
“This is the first time for many kids where they will receive a big medal,” said Boldon who recalls more than 740 students participating in the 5k the first year. “We aren’t addressing food desserts but when kids start knowing the right things to ask. It puts the thought in there head.”
In addition to Monumental Kids Movement, IMM also works closely with the Simon Youth Foundation and The IPS Education Foundation, their largest beneficiary. IMM works with members of IPS staff, Dr. Ferebee, IPS superintendent and the executive director of the education foundation to identify needs in the community and brainstorm ideas. As a result, funding referred to as Donors Choose grants are available to teachers to supply educational needs. Teachers are then responsible for raising 50 percent of the money, while IMM matches the other half.
“We don’t tell people what’s important to the district, the district self identifies and we give half of the total funds,” said Boldon. “That’s an ideal way for the district to self identify needs without the bureaucracy of school boards and principals.”
IMM supports these foundations and programs using the money collected by those who enter their races. The IMM course is relatively flat and includes a small number of hills, which is why this Boston qualifying race anticipates runners from all over the world to participate. Last November, more than 13,000 new and seasoned runners took part in the race, and this year a larger crowd is expected.
“To run in the Boston Marathon you have to submit a qualified time from another race. It’s the oldest annual marathon in the world and many want to participate,” commented Boldon. “It’s more challenging to be approved for the race but that’s what makes our race so appealing because the ground is flat and good weather help people achieve faster times. That’s one of the reasons we’ve gotten national claim.”
IMM was recently named one of the Top 10 Boston qualifiers by Running USA and one of the Best Races to do with your kids. The full marathon requires a minimum age of 16 and the half marathon requires an age of 10. Opening ceremonies will begin at 7:30 a.m. and races begin at 8 a.m. At Recorder press time only 200 spots remained available for the marathon.
For more information on Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, visit monumentalmarathon.com.
