Monumental Marathon closes downtown Indy streets Saturday

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon will close downtown streets this Saturday for its 19th edition. Organizers describe the event as one of the 15 largest marathons in the United States. The race includes full marathon, half marathon, and 5K events. All categories start and finish in the heart of downtown Indianapolis.

Gear check opens at 6:30 a.m. at Washington Street and West Street. The full and half marathons begin at 8:00 a.m. on West Street. The 5K starts at 8:40 a.m. The course closes to vehicles at 3:30 p.m.

Runners pick up race packets at the Monumental Health and Fitness Expo at the Indiana Convention Center before the race. The expo operates Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. It is free and open to the public. More than 50 health and fitness exhibitors participate.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department warns motorists to plan ahead for traffic impacts. Restrictions affect downtown areas during the morning and early afternoon. IMPD released race-day closure maps showing specific road restriction windows. Several corridors along the far north and south sides of downtown remain open to vehicles all day.

IMPD advises drivers to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes. Officers will direct traffic around the course. Drivers should follow posted traffic control devices and use caution around runners and spectators. Streets will reopen gradually throughout the day. Drivers are encouraged to review IMPD closure maps before leaving home Saturday morning.