On race morning they open the Indy convention center, so there's a warm place to hang out and flushing toilets to use before the race. People go out about 15 minutes before the race start and line up next to pacers with estimated finishing times. There is absolutely no stress in this process, and this immediately makes me like the race! As the name suggests, the race runs past various monuments throughout Indianapolis, and I really enjoy that! Before you hit mile 3, you'll run through monument circle (it's beautiful as the sun is rising) and past Lucas Oil Stadium.
There are hydration stations almost every mile, and most (if not all) have both water and Gatorade. These are efficient, and I've never had to stand around waiting for either, as I have in other races. The middle of the race winds through various neighborhoods, and I love the crowd support here. While it isn't packed with crowds, there are quite a few people standing and cheering, and I never get bored.
At mile 7 the half marathoners and marathoners split, and the half marathoners start winding their way home.
During the final mile in, the crowds start thickening, and you can feel the energy from the finish line. The finish itself is right in front of the Capitol, and post race they usually have good food. I think my first year they had subs and chili for free at the finish line.
Honestly, I like every single thing about this race, and haven't really found a complaint in the two years that I've done the race. I would absolutely suggest signing up if you live anywhere within a few hours of the race! The course is almost completely flat, which means it is FAST. The race also happens at the beginning of November, which tends to yield ideal racing weather.

If you're interested in reading my actual race recaps, here they are:
2013: http://www.thelittlethingsblog.com/indianapolis-monumental-half-marathon-recap-2013/
2012: http://www.thelittlethingsblog.com/indianapolis-monumental-half-marathon-recap/

Link to this review