Four Course Records and 28 Olympic Trials Qualifiers Highlight Historic 2026 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Four Course Records and 28 Olympic Trials Qualifiers Highlight Historic 2026 CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon |
| [07-November-2026] |
Record-breaking performances across all three race distances headline the 19th annual event as Beyond Monumental looks ahead to its 20th anniversary INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Four course records fell and 28 athletes achieved qualifying times for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon on Saturday at the 19th annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K. Record-breaking performances across all three race distances highlighted a historic day of racing that welcomed 18,000 registered participants from all 50 states and more than 35 countries.
The 28 Olympic Trials qualifying performances more than doubled the 13 recorded in 2025, further establishing Indianapolis as a premier destination for competitive distance running. Johnnie Guy captured the men's marathon title in 2:11:47, breaking the previous course record of 2:12:29 set by Joseph Whelan in 2025. On the women's side, returning champion Lindsey Bradley claimed her second Monumental Marathon title and broke her own course record with a winning time of 2:29:47. Bradley previously won the 2024 event in a then-record 2:31:49. Isabel Hebner of Austin, Texas, finished just over one second behind Bradley in one of the day's closest finishes. The records continued in the men's half marathon, where Owen Smith established a new course record in 1:01:42, surpassing the previous record of 1:02:25 set in 2024. The depth of competition was particularly impressive, with seven men finishing faster than the previous course record. In the women's 5K, Rebecca Schmitt added another record-breaking performance, winning in 15:56 to surpass the previous course record of 16:03. Adding to the day's standout performances, Indianapolis' own Mikayla Reed claimed the women's half marathon title in 1:08:51, finishing just 25 seconds shy of the event record. Beyond the elite performances, the 2026 event marked another milestone year with its earliest sellout in event history, 14th consecutive sellout and largest marathon field for the third consecutive year. The continued growth reflects the event's national and international appeal and the strength of Indianapolis' running community. Results: CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon Women's Champion: Lindsey Bradley of Heath, Texas, captured her second Monumental Marathon title and broke her own course record with a winning time of 2:29:47. Bradley edged out Isabel Hebner of Austin, Texas, by just over one second in a thrilling finish, with Hebner taking second in 2:29:48. Melissa Berry of Flagstaff, Ariz., rounded out the podium in 2:31:40. CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon Women's Champion: Indianapolis' Mikayla Reed captured the women's half marathon title in 1:08:51. Marisa Howard of Boise, Idaho, finished second in 1:09:27, followed by Jessica Gockley-Day of Richfield, Minn., in 1:09:51. CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental 5K: Other Highlights:
"This was a defining day for the Monumental Marathon," said Jed Cornforth, President & CEO of Beyond Monumental. "Four course records and 28 Olympic Trials qualifying performances demonstrate the incredible caliber of athletes choosing to race in Indianapolis. At the same time, seeing more than 8,000 marathoners cross our finish line is a remarkable milestone. As we approach our 20th anniversary, these achievements reflect how far we've come and the exciting future ahead for this event." "There's something special about seeing thousands of runners, volunteers, supporters come together each year for the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon," said Gary C. Bhojwani, Chief Executive Officer, CNO Financial Group. "As we celebrate our 11th year as title sponsor, we're proud to continue our partnership with Beyond Monumental and grateful to the City of Indianapolis and the entire community for their support of this event. We look forward to returning for the marathon's 20th event next year." CNO Financial Group, the event's title sponsor, proudly supports their hometown marathon and celebrates Beyond Monumental's shared commitment to health, wellness and the central Indiana community. The sponsorship continues to provide significant growth opportunities for Indy's premier running event. Full results, when available, can be found here. Plans are already underway for next year's event, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Participants can secure their spot for 2027 this weekend at monumentalmarathon.com. Single-event registration closes Sunday, Nov. 8 and will reopen for the tradition of special Monumental Resolution pricing on Jan. 1, 2027. About Beyond Monumental About CNO Financial Group
SOURCE Beyond Monumental | ||
Company Codes: NYSE:CNO |
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