FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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CONFIRMATION FAQ'S
Is the Indianapolis Marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier?
Absolutely! This is one of the reasons the race was started 13 years ago. The 2008 Indianapolis Marathon is a qualifier for both the 2009 and 2010 Boston Marathons. All courses are USATF Certified and the races are Sanctioned by USATF.
Who puts on the event?
The event is put on by the Indianapolis Marathon Road Runners Club. This is a 501.c.3 non-profit organization that is a member club of Road Runners of America (RRCA). We are also a member club of USATF. Who are we ... we are a family and friends who have a desire to serve runners, walkers, and our community by putting on a fun, safe, and scenic event that is a good value to participants and a positive event for our community. We strive hard to please the participants by offering a well organized and friendly event!
Is there a benefiting charity?
Proceeds from the event go to many local charities with our main benefiting charity being KIDS Inc. KIDS Inc. is a wonderful 501.c.3 non-profit charity that works with youth in the near southeast side of Indianapolis. We are happy to support their efforts. For more information click here to go to the Charities page.
Is the Indianapolis Marathon and Half Marathon walker friendly?
Yes.
Are there time limits for the courses?
Yes. Participants must maintain a pace of 14min/mile for the Full Marathon. Participants must maintain a pace of 15min/mile for the Half Marathon. Anyone who falls behind these paces will be offered a ride back to the start finish line. If you choose to continue on the course, you must do so at your own risk. You will be asked to move to the side of the road and obey all pedestrian traffic laws.
Can I start early?
No. Due to insurance reasons and agreements with the local law enforcement agencies, there can be no early starting times.
What time zone is Indianapolis on?
Eastern Daylight Savings. Indianapolis is on the same time as New York City. Indianapolis is one hour ahead of Chicago.
Are there Wheelchair and Handcycling divisions?
Yes – Please indicate if you are a wheelchair or handcycle entry when you register. There are several places on the course that will be difficult for wheelchairs and handcycles (crossing grass, crossing mulch, etc.). For this reason we used to not have these divisions, but the feedback from wheelchair and handcycle athletes asked that we include these divisions anyway. So with that qualifier, we now have these divisions.
Can I push my toddler/baby in a stroller?
No. Insurance requirements strictly forbid strollers in the event. Exception: strollers will be allowed in the 5K family walk, but they must line up at the back of the field.
Can I run with my dog?
No. Insurance requirements strictly forbid animals in the event.
Can I get a refund if something comes up after I register?
Sorry – no refunds.
Can I switch events?
Yes – please email us in advance. If you try to change events at packet pickup on race morning, you the run chance of the change not getting into the computer in time.
Can I register on race weekend?
We offer limited race weekend registration, but only if the field has not filled. You are responsible for checking the website or the information phone line (317.826.1670) to see if the race is filled prior to coming to the race site on race weekend. We filled for the first time in 2007. Please note that late fees apply if we are still taking race weekend entries.
Why do you charge so much for race weekend signup?
Several Reasons:
We are a grass-roots event that can not manage processing 1,000 entries on race weekend. Previously we did not allow race weekend entries at all (strictly enforced), but feedback from potential participants showed us that folks want the option to register at the last minute (race weekend) and were willing to pay a premium for it.
By allowing race week-end entries, we have to purchase additional event T-shirts, race numbers, timing chips, Gatorade, cups on course, Energy Gel, post race food, port-o-johns, etc. If the weather is nice and we get 250 people to sign up ... we make our money back and more. If the weather is lousy and we get 100 people to sign up ... we lose a lot of money. (It all averages out over the years.)
To prevent a race weekend sign-up frenzy which would cripple the event, and to put the cost liability of race weekend sign-ups in the laps of those who sign up on race weekend (and not in the laps of everyone else who signs up earlier), we charge the $15 late fee for race weekend signups. Lesson, please sign up by October 4th and save!!
We have found that after people hear this explanation, they are very understanding and value the flexibility of being able to pay the late fee and sign up last minute if they desire. Since we started offering this option, it has proved to be a win-win for all involved.
When and where is packet pickup?
Friday, October 17th from 11:00am – 8:00pm at the Sterrett Senior Center (8950 Otis Avenue, Indianapolis 46216). Also Saturday, October 18th from 6:30am – 7:30am at the Sterrett Senior Center.
Do you have an Expo?
Yes. We have an expo on Friday from 11:00am - 8:00pm also at the Sterrett Senior Center during packet pickup.
Do I have to pay for parking?
No! There is an abundance of FREE PARKING. On Friday, park in the Lot just North of the Sterrett Senior Center for free. Race Day parking on Saturday morning will be at the huge parking lot at the Emmett J. Bean Center. This is approximately 2 blocks from the race site and 4 blocks from the Sterrett Senior Center. Parking is FREE.
Can I have someone pick up my race packet?
Yes, but they need to have your post card confirmation or a fax copy of it.
Will I get a T-shirt?
Yes. All participants get a long-sleeved full color event T-shirt!
Can I change my shirt size?
Prior to packet pickup – yes. Please send an email to info@indianapolismarathon.com with the T-shirt size change information.
At packet pickup – you will need to take the shirt size that you selected so that another participant does not get shorted their size. There will be extra shirts in size Medium, Large, and X-Large for race weekend sign-ups so you can trade for those sizes at the race weekend sign-up table.
Will I get a finisher’s medal?
All participants who finish the Full Marathon, Half Marathon, and 4-Person Marathon Relay will receive a finisher’s medal. Each member of the relay team will receive their own medal.
Is the course hilly?
Hilly is relative. Some say very hilly, some say very flat. It depends on your frame of reference. Please click here to find a course map, a course description, and a course elevation chart. There are a few rolling hills around miles 3 and 5, and a significant hill in the state park on the beautiful running path just past mile 10. There is a long gradual hill going down at mile 13, then coming back up at mile 25 through the state park. The rest of the course is basically flat.
How can I check to verify my entry?
Three ways:
If you enter online (the preferred way to register), you will get an instant email confirmation.
If you enter by mail, your cancelled check will be your confirmation.
All entries (online and mail-in) will be posted on the website at www.indianapolismarathon.com. Furthermore – anyone registered by October 1 will receive a confirmation postcard in the mail.
What kind of fluid replacement will you have?
Gatorade and Water will be available at 21 aid stations along the course as well as at the start/finish line.
Will there be energy gel on the course?
Yes. Energy gel will be available near miles 17 and 21.
Is there food at the finish?
Don’t miss it! Our benefiting charity KIDS Inc. hosts a post-race cookout right near the finish line. Complete with burgers and brats complete with sides dishes. We will also have veggie subs (and maybe pizza) for those of you who don’t eat meat.
Will there be finish line photographs?
Yes – an absolute “must have”! We are pleased to have Brightroom Photography back again in 2008 taking pictures on the course and at the finish line. You'll be contacted by Brightroom Photography by email after the race with ordering information.
Where can I see results?
Click here to view the results. They should be online directly after the event.
What is the hardest part of putting on a race like this?
Very kind of you to ask! Thanks. Two things:
1. Volunteers. We are looking for groups of 10 or more to volunteer for the event. We need these volunteer groups to support areas such as aid stations, packet pickup, finish line support, course marshals, course setup, course tear-down, etc.
Want to combine a fun group activity and fundraiser for your church or school group, scout troop, alumni group, or other organization? We will make a $100 donation to your volunteer group of 10 or more people. We will make a $200 donation to your volunteer group of 20 people. Please contact us at rd@indianpaolismarathon.com.
2. Sponsors. Surprise, surprise. If you are interested in partnering with this event as a sponsor, please contact us! There are many opportunities for positive exposure for your company or organization! Click here for more sponsorship information and applications.