INDIANAPOLIS -- Organizers expect a new full marathon and half-marathon in Indianapolis will eventually draw thousands of runners and walkers to the city each year.

The first-ever Indianapolis Monumental Marathon on Nov. 1 will take runners on a 26.2-mile journey through the city -- 13.1 miles for those who enter the half-marathon.

"This course is going to be spectacular. It will provide an opportunity for marathoners to run a fast time. It's a relatively flat course with minimal turns," said Bob Kennedy, a former Olympian.

The courses started and end at the Indiana Statehouse, taking participants past many city landmarks, including Lucas Oil Stadium, the Indiana War Memorial and historic neighborhoods, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported.

"We designed the course knowing we may have 1,5000 or so this year, but it's been designed and laid out so that we can handle the increase in numbers each year as we grow," said Ken Long, director of the Monument Marathon.

Organizers said they expect to enjoy the kind of success the Mini-Marathon has had. That event started with 700 runners and had more than 35,000 this year.

Runners such as Katherine Hall look forward to having more choices.

"It's hard to find a lot of things in Indiana. I'm from California, and there's a lot more opportunities out there."

As of July 8, 865 people had signed up from 28 states for either the full or half Monumental Marathon. It will serve as a qualifier for the 2009 Boston Marathon.

More Info: Monumental Marathon