If you want to check Indiana off your list consider the Monumental Marathon. The course is flat, the weather is always cool, the swag is great, and you get to run past several iconic Indianapolis sights. Here is a sample of what the course has to offer: https://youtu.be/M2HAtMHJ2pA

I always sign up on New Year's Day when they offer a limited number of spots at a discounted rate. It's nice to kick off the year with a race on the fall calendar.

They also have a great 4-year medal series that just started again this year. For anyone who ran this over the last 4 years, the medal shapes are the same. So even if you didn't complete the first four years, you can continue your collection now through 2021 and still fill out the custom frames they offer.

This race is crazy. For the relatively low number of 13.1 and 26.2 athletes (about 1,700 in 2018), they run this like it's a massive marathon. The start/finish area is spread over a few city blocks that are closed down. They have a stage put up for legit band setup. They also have a large kids zone with inflatables if you happen to have youngsters in your spectating group.

The course is flat, I can't really remember a single incline in the entire 26.2 miles. Check out my video review for some favorite scenes from the course, including a run on the airport tarmac!: https://youtu.be/Fr-WtIfUGEA

The weather can be hit or miss at this race since it takes place in mid-September. The first year I did this was really warm and sunny, this year was cool and overcast.

But what really makes this event crazy is that they give away a massive RAM 2500 Pickup truck at their post-race party. Anyone who finishes the half or full marathon is entered to win, but you have to be present to win. This is a really cool idea because it keeps people around at the post-race party into the mid-afternoon.