Contact: Sydney Meyers
Director, Marketing & Consumer Experience
Beyond Monumental
sydney@beyondmonumental.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MORE THAN 1,900 STUDENTS TO TAKE OVER LUCAS OIL STADIUM FOR THE APEX BENEFITS MONUMENTAL KIDS 5K
Students from 80+ local schools celebrate weeks of training with a 5K through downtown Indianapolis and a finish on the field of Lucas Oil Stadium.
Indianapolis – September 18, 2026 – Downtown Indianapolis will welcome more than 1,900 Marion County students on Saturday, September 19, for the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids 5K presented by Indiana University Indianapolis. The event marks the first of two fall finish lines for nearly 2,500 students participating in the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids Movement (MKM) program across more than 80 schools this year.
After weeks of training at their schools, students will take on a 3.1-mile course through downtown before an unforgettable finish through the Lucas Oil Stadium tunnel and onto the field. Another 400+ students will celebrate the completion of their program two weeks later at the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben 5K on October 3.
Highlights to Watch:
- Opening Ceremony (9:00 a.m.) – The morning will kick off with a celebration of student achievement, including Beyond Monumental’s 2026 check presentation benefiting local schools. Over the past 18 years through this program and with the support of our sponsors, Beyond Monumental has donated more than $1.7 million to support local schools and youth programming.
- Special Guests – Presenting guests will include Jim Harenberg, Chief Strategy Officer of Apex Benefits; Jordan Stevenson, Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management for Indiana University Indianapolis; and various leaders from participating school districts, including Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Aleesia Johnson.
- The 5K (9:30 a.m.) – More than 1,900 students and motivators will take to the streets of downtown Indianapolis after weeks of training at their individual schools. The 3.1-mile course culminates with a memorable run through the Lucas Oil Stadium and a finish on the field.
- Wellness Expo (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.) – Students, families, and supporters can experience the Wellness Expo inside the stadium, featuring local organizations focused on health, wellness, and active living.
- Nearly 2,500 Students Moving in 2026 – Saturday is just one finish line for the MKM program. In two weeks, 400+ students from Lawrence Township will celebrate their training at the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben 5K, extending the program’s impact.
- Course Records to Watch – With record participation, event bests may be challenged:
- Boys: Owen Pritchard – 18:23 (2024)
- Girls: Trinity Palmer – 21:57 (2022)
Traffic Advisory: The South Lot of Lucas Oil Stadium will close to public traffic starting at 4:30 a.m. Roads near and around Lucas Oil Stadium will be impacted from 9:00 a.m. through 11:00 a.m. by the 5K course and have rolling road or lane closures including: McCarty St, Capitol Ave, Illinois St, Meridian St, Madison Ave, Delaware St, Pennsylvania St, South St, and Missouri St.
Check out the 2026 5K Course Map.
Schedule:
| Time | Event |
| 9:00 a.m. | Opening Ceremonies & Pre-5K Warm Up |
| 9:30 a.m. | Apex Benefits Monumental Kids 5K Start |
| 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Wellness Expo Opens inside LOS |
| 12:30 p.m. | Event Concludes |
The Apex Benefits Monumental Kids Movement presented by Indiana University Indianapolis is a bi-weekly school-based running club powered by a health and wellness curriculum that educates youth about the benefits of exercise, proper diet, and healthy living. It is typically a six-to-eight week program culminating with students running the Indy Half Marathon at Fort Ben 5K or the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids 5K presented by Indiana University Indianapolis.
Leaders from Apex Benefits and Indiana University Indianapolis can be available for interview or quote upon request. Our partners support Beyond Monumental’s mission of actively supporting youth health and well-being by providing access to exceptional events and programs centered around the sport of running.
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About Beyond Monumental
Beyond Monumental, the 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages. Beyond Monumental gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting youth programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles for young people, with an emphasis on working with urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools, donating over $1.7 million since inception. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 15 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners’ World as one of “Ten Great Marathons for First Timers”. The 19th annual running is scheduled for Nov. 7, 2026. For more information, please visit beyondmonumental.org.