INDIANAPOLIS — Nearly 20,000 runners will take over the streets in Indianapolis this weekend for the 12th running of the CNO Financial Monumental Marathon.
The course starts downtown before making its way to the Warehouse District, Cultural Trail, Butler University, the Indianapolis Museum of Art and Broad Ripple.
Out of all those people, one might stand out.
Thomas Jeschke will be running the entire race — in his pajamas.
“There are all types of world records, but I’m trying to break the world record for fastest marathon in pajamas,” Jeschke told WISH-TV.
Thomas has been running for the majority of his life, first at Decatur Central High School, then with a track scholarship at Marion University. He’s competed in several marathons, including the Boston Marathon.
So why is he trying to beat this record here in his home town?
“It puts us on the map,” Jeschke said. “We should have more of these records being broken at Monumental. Hype up the race and bring more racers and competition to Indianapolis.”
Jeschke said in order for the record to be official, he has to run all 26.2 miles in his PJs. So he needs help getting proof he wore his pajamas throughout the entire race.
“If you see me on Saturday, take a picture, put it on social media so we can get that evidence,” he said.
Saturday’s race is expected to draw record-breaking numbers. Beyond Monumental, the organization behind the race, said they expect 19,000 runners on Saturday, not including elite runners.
(PHOTO: WISH-TV)
