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Record-Breaking Champions Shine at Monumental Marathon

  Monumental Races Rewrite History

New Course Records Set in Marathon and 5K In an extraordinary display of athleticism and determination, the 16th annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K took over downtown Indianapolis this morning, attracting a massive crowd of nearly 15,000 participants. The event left its mark on history with not one, but three new course records, while 19 remarkable athletes achieved the unofficial Olympic Team Trials - Marathon standard.  

New Marathon Champions Triumph

In the heart-pounding Men's Marathon, Lyle O'Brien from Boulder, Colorado, emerged as the victor, crossing the finish line in a stunning 2 hours, 15 minutes, and 41 seconds. Notably, O'Brien's performance bested the previous course record set in 2021 by almost a minute. On the women's side, Rachel Hannah, hailing from Post Elgin, Ontario, showcased her extraordinary prowess. She broke the women's course record, finishing with a time of 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 17 seconds, an achievement that left the 2019 record of 2 hours, 35 minutes, and 36 seconds in the dust.  

Monumental 5K Smashes Records

The Monumental 5K witnessed a smashing new record in the women's division. Mackenzie Callahan, a Boulder, Colorado native, clinched the 2023 title in 16 minutes and 3 seconds. Her performance outshone the previous record of 16 minutes and 18 seconds, which had remained untouched for seven years.  

Monumental Champions and Their Victories

- Men's Champion: Lyle O'Brien of Boulder, Colorado, seized the top position with a new course record, completing the race in 2:15:41. Mason Jones of Titusville, Florida, followed closely in second place at 2:15:59, and Brian Masterson from Seattle secured third place, with a time of 2:16:04. - Women's Champion: Rachel Hannah of Post Elgin, Ontario, made history with her new course record time of 2:35:17. Elizabeth Bigelow from Twin Falls, Idaho, finished second at 2:35:33, while Lucy Dobbs of Indianapolis claimed third place, clocking in at 2:36:39.  

Half Marathon Excellence

- Men's Champion: Thomas George of Lafayette, Colorado, led the pack, clinching the top spot in the Half Marathon with a winning time of 1:03:18. Brandon Garnica of Provo, Utah, and Charles Sweeney of Boulder, Colorado, closely followed with times of 1:03:24 and 1:03:33, respectively. - Women's Champion: Katie Izzo of San Diego, California, stole the show in the Women's Half Marathon, breaking the tape in 1:10:45. Jeralyn Poe from Flagstaff, Arizona, came in second, just two seconds behind, at 1:10:47, while Marybeth Chelanga from Colorado Springs, Colorado, took third place with a time of 1:10:59.  

Speed Records in 5K

- Men's Champion: Asher Propst of Noblesville, Indiana, secured the title with a swift 14:47 finish. - Women's Champion: Mackenzie Callahan of Boulder, Colorado, further solidified her reign by setting a new course record of 16:05.  

Beyond Monumental - A Monumental Success

Aside from the extraordinary racing feats, the 2023 event marked the 11th consecutive sellout of the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. Participants from all 50 states and more than 25 countries, including Costa Rica, the United Kingdom, France, and Australia, flocked to Indianapolis to take part. A total of 19 athletes came tantalizingly close to securing Olympic Team Trials - Marathon qualifications: five in the Women's Half Marathon, nine in the Men's Marathon, and five in the Women's Marathon. Beyond Monumental's Run for a Cause program also made a significant impact, with over 150 participants running with charities like Team World Vision, Medals4Mettle, and the American Society of Suicide Prevention, raising funds and awareness as they prepared for the race.   Monumental Praise and Thanks Jed Cornforth, the Executive Director of Beyond Monumental, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "What a thrilling, record-setting day for the 16th annual CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. Today was all about celebrating participants and their monumental achievements. So much work goes into an event like this - from the miles and miles of training for each participant to the collaboration of hundreds of volunteers, community partners, and sponsors. We're grateful to have the city of Indianapolis that supports such an inspirational event."   Gary C. Bhojwani, Chief Executive Officer of CNO Financial Group, chimed in, "It was an inspiring day for the city of Indianapolis, the race participants, volunteers, and everyone associated with the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. This sponsorship underscores our commitment to health, well-being, and the central Indiana community, and we're proud to be the title sponsor for our eighth consecutive year." "As a nationally recognized event, the Marathon celebrates the culmination of the hard work and dedication of so many people. We thank Mayor Joe Hogsett and his office for their efforts in helping make this day possible and look forward to another outstanding race in 2024."  

A Monumental Future

The event's title sponsor, CNO Financial Group, continues to be a driving force behind the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, reinforcing their commitment to health, wellness, and the central Indiana community. The sponsorship has provided significant growth opportunities for Indy's premier running event. Full race results will be available when released.   Save the Date for 2024 Plans are already in motion for next year's event, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, 2024. Registration opens on January 1, 2023, with special Monumental Resolution pricing for the first 1,000 participants.  

About Beyond Monumental and CNO Financial Group

Beyond Monumental is a pillar of the Indianapolis community, promoting healthy living and fitness for all ages. The organization also supports youth programming, with a particular focus on urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools. To date, Beyond Monumental has donated over $1.5 million to the community. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is recognized as one of the top 15 marathons in the United States. It is celebrated by Runners' World as one of the "Ten Great Marathons for First Timers." The 16th annual running is scheduled for October 28, 2023.   Sources: THX News & CNO Financial Group, Inc.. Read the full article

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