Record Setting Day At CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon

Participation Reflects Strong Organizational Growth in 2016

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Nov 05, 2016, 05:18 ET

INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 5, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon took place this morning in downtown Indianapolis with huge success. A record number of finishers participated in the marathon and half marathon on what turned out to be an ideal day for running. This year marked the first time ever both races sold out prior to the Monumental Health and Fitness Expo.

Results:
CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon
Men's Champion: Japhet Kipkoech of Louisville, KY, in time of 2:18:31. Ironman triathlete Nick Waninger of Lamar was second in 2:19:17.
Women's Champion: Andie Cozzarelli of Raleigh, NC, in time of 2:38:49. Cozzarelli was a 2x All-American at North Carolina State University and a 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon qualifier.

CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
Men's Champion: Pius Nyantika of Louisville, in a course record time of 1:03:15. 2016 Olympian Luis Orta was second in 1:04:15.
Women's Champion: Pan Am Silver Medalist for Team Canada, Sasha Gollish of Toronto, in a course record time of 1:11:07. Rochelle Kanuho was also under the previous course record in a time of 1:11:28 in her debut half marathon.

CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental 5K:
Men's Champion: Ross Hughes of Avon, IN, in time of 16:17.
Women's Champion: Rebecca Tracy of Indianapolis, IN, in a course record time of 16:19.

More than 1,000 students graduated from Monumental Kids Movement, in a year that saw the program spanning Marion County for the first time. The program now includes 34 schools in Center Township, 15 schools in MSD Lawrence Township and an additional two in MSD Wayne Township.
The third annual Apex Monumental Challenge, presented by Apex Benefits, saw more than 20 companies take part in this participation-based employee health and wellness competition.
The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon had its fifth consecutive sellout and set a new event record with 4,175 marathon finishers, making it the 14^th largest marathon in the United States so far in 2016.
The half marathon had its first ever sellout and a record number of finishers with 8,114.
Including the marathon, half marathon and 5K, the number of finishers eclipsed 15,000.

"This year has been unprecedented for our organization in the scope of growth and change we've experienced," said Katherine Coble, president of Beyond Monumental. "The announcement of our first ever title sponsor, CNO Financial Group, has allowed us to pursue new opportunities and programs that not only led to more participation in our event, but also allowed us to make a greater impact in our mission and cause."

"It was truly exciting to be part of this marathon, and I was impressed by the high level of talent and enthusiasm of the runners, walkers and volunteers at today's events," said Ed Bonach, CEO of CNO Financial Group. "The title sponsorship firmly complements our commitment to health, wellness and the central Indiana community, and we appreciate everyone's support as we look forward to another successful race in 2017."

Complete results and photos of winners can be found at http://www.monumentalmarathon.com/2016Results/.

CNO Financial Group was the first ever title sponsor for the event in 2016. For the ninth consecutive year, Franciscan Health served as the presenting sponsor of the marathon and half marathon.

Plans are already underway for the 10^th anniversary race, which is set for Saturday, November 4, 2017. Registration for 2017 will open on January 1^st with special Monumental Resolution pricing.

About Beyond Monumental
Beyond Monumental is a 501 (c)3 that provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages (both runners and walkers.) 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 more than $875,000 in eight years. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 20 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners' World as one of "Ten Great Marathons for First Timers." www.beyondmonumental.org

About CNO Financial Group
CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) is a holding company. Our insurance subsidiaries – principally Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company and Washington National Insurance Company – primarily serve middle-income pre-retiree and retired Americans by helping them protect against financial adversity and provide for a more secure retirement. For more information, visit CNO online at CNOinc.com.

SOURCE CNO Financial Group