CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Breaks Records with Early Sellout and Expanded Field

Record-Breaking CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is gearing up for an extraordinary event this year as it reaches a remarkable milestone by selling out its expanded field ahead of schedule. This achievement marks the earliest sellout in the marathon's history, a testament to the event's growing popularity and prestige. Scheduled for November 2026, this race will welcome the largest number of participants to date, positioning it among the top marathons in the United States.

The marathon’s success follows the renewal of its title sponsorship agreement with CNO Financial Group, extending through 2028. This long-term partnership highlights a commitment to promoting health and well-being alongside the race’s organizational goals. Since CNO became the title sponsor in 2016, its efforts have significantly elevated the marathon’s profile, transforming it into a nationally recognized event that attracts runners and spectators from all corners of the globe. Participants come from all 50 states and over 20 countries, showcasing the event's diverse appeal.

Community and Economic Impact

The weekend of the marathon promises not only an exciting race but also significant economic benefits for Indianapolis. Tens of thousands of participants, families, volunteers, and fans will flock to downtown Indianapolis, thus supporting local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. This influx contributes to a vibrant community atmosphere and strengthens the local economy, underscoring the marathon's importance to the city.

Jed Cornforth, the President and CEO of Beyond Monumental, expressed his excitement, stating, "Selling out our largest marathon field in event history so early reflects the strong momentum and energy surrounding Indianapolis right now. What began nearly two decades ago as a vision for a world-class marathon has evolved into one of the premier race weekends in the U.S. We are grateful to everyone involved, from runners to volunteers, for making the Monumental race weekend a special occasion year after year."

The Race Weekend

The 19th annual marathon festivities will kick off with the Monumental Health & Fitness Expo, held on November 5-6, 2026, at the Indiana Convention Center. This free two-day expo will serve as a hub for runners and fans, offering packet pickup, official Brooks Running merchandise, and interactive activities hosted by various sponsors and vendors. It’s an invaluable opportunity for participants to engage with the community and prepare for the big race.

Beyond the marathon, the expo will feature over 50 vendors, making it a vibrant event for athletes and supporters alike.

Course Records and Aspirations

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is renowned for its fast and flat course, making it a sought-after event for runners aiming for personal bests and qualifications for prestigious races such as the Boston Marathon and the U.S. Olympic Trials. The reputation of the marathon continues to attract both elite athletes and first-time participants, creating a unique atmosphere of friendly competition and personal achievement.

In 2025, noteworthy accomplishments included a new course record in the Men's Marathon category and a record number of overall finishers. Such achievements contribute to the marathon's growing legacy and appeal, inviting more runners every year.

For those still hoping to participate, a waitlist is available for the sold-out marathon and half marathon, and registration for the Monumental 5K is still open but filling up quickly.

About Beyond Monumental

Beyond Monumental is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization responsible for orchestrating the marathon. The organization focuses on encouraging healthy lifestyles within the Indianapolis community, particularly through youth programming that emphasizes fitness and wellness. To date, Beyond Monumental has donated over $1.7 million to initiatives supporting urban students and the Indianapolis Public Schools, reinforcing its commitment to community impact through sports.

The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is not just a race; it’s an embodiment of community spirit, athletic excellence, and economic support that highlights the importance of health and well-being in Indianapolis. As the marathon approaches, excitement continues to build, promising an unforgettable weekend for everyone involved.

For further details, updates, and registration, interested parties can visit monumentalmarathon.com.