Downtown Indy roads close for Saturday marathon

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon returns to downtown Indianapolis this Saturday, marking its 19th year of competition. Organizers describe the event as one of the fifteen largest marathons in the United States. The race includes full marathon, half marathon, and 5K events, all starting and finishing in the center of downtown.

Race activities begin early in the morning. Gear check opens at 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of Washington Street and West Street. The full and half marathons start at 8:00 a.m. on West Street, followed by the 5K at 8:40 a.m. The course is scheduled to close to vehicles at 3:30 p.m.

Runners may collect their race packets at the Indiana Convention Center before the race day. The Monumental Health and Fitness Expo is open Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry to the expo is free, and it features race merchandise and more than 50 health and fitness exhibitors.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is asking drivers to plan for reduced traffic flow throughout the city, particularly in the downtown area, during the morning and early afternoon. Several corridors along the far north and south sides of downtown will remain open to vehicles all day. Other key roads will be restricted during specific windows based on the race schedule.

IMPD advises motorists to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes around the race course. Drivers should follow posted traffic control devices and instructions from officers. Police ask the public to use caution near runners, volunteers, and spectators. Streets will reopen gradually throughout the day after the race concludes.