INDIANAPOLIS — The 17th annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is Saturday in downtown Indianapolis.
It's among the 15 largest races in the country.
Thousands are ready to take off from the start line and run through a scenic route goes through downtown and some of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. Many runners use it to qualify for other races, such as the Boston Marathon, but most use it to challenge themselves.
"It took me about two or three years to get in shape," said Faith McKinney, a runner preparing for Saturday's big race. "I never thought I would love it, but I do. I look forward to it."
The half and full marathon start at 8 a.m. and the course will stay open until 3:30 p.m.
Participants picked up their event packets Thursday at the Monumental Marathon Expo at the Indiana Convention Center.
Another woman told 13News this is her first marathon. She said she wants to try something new, but she's no stranger to running. Her membership with the Plainfield Running Club helped her prepare for this event.
"Last year I was at the expo and I saw all the different runners and I thought 'why don't I run a marathon?'" she said.
Ranjeet Singh said he has run marathons in many states. He just got started last year. Indiana is his 40th and he said the decision was easy. Over the course of the next two years, Singh he determined to run 50 marathons in 50 states.
"I turned 50 years this year. The YMCA asked me what is the plan for this year. I told them I'm turning 50, why not start the 50 State 50 Marathon," said Singh
He plans to run another on Sunday.
"In the future, when I turn 80, I will tell the people that I was running the whole of America," Singh said.
The race will also impact people who aren't running. Several streets will be closed throughout Indianapolis beginning early Saturday morning, including one part of North Capitol Avenue downtown. It will be restricted until 5:30 p.m., and marathon organizers ask you to plan accordingly until the event is completed.
If you are a participant and still haven't picked up your materials, you can still do that Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Indiana Convention Center.
Click here for more information about this year's Monumental Marathon.