INDIANAPOLIS — The effects of Indy’s Monumental Marathon weekend kick in long before runners reach the finish line. 

Dameon Miller, a host at Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, said the marathon brings in big business every year, including the night before the race itself. 

“We have a lot of people coming in and traveling to run this marathon,” he said. “With it being a top race, it’s important to a lot of people.” 

He said the bar saw a big rush last year the evening before the race, as well as the following afternoon.

“We had a very big crowd,” Miller said. “Everybody came in tired and dehydrated, but they came in, had some good food, good drinks and a good time.” 

Another sign that its marathon weekend is the Monumental Health and Fitness Expo, which was Friday at the Indiana Convention Center. 

Jed Conforth, CEO of Beyond Monumental, said more than 25,000 people were in attendance, and many of them were expected to run Saturday. 

“The expo offers the chance to get up-close and personal with the latest and greatest products,” Conforth said. “It’s also really a gateway to the race tomorrow, which will be a really fun day.”

Garreth Wilfred, Marketing Manager for Athletic Annex, a local running and walking specialty realtor, said the weekend festivities are great for vendors. 

“All through the year, you watch races around Chicago, New York and when it comes home that’s kind of special,” he said. “There are are so many people who are local, so many familiar faces but also out-of-towners. I think we get to showcase what Indianapolis is all about, and that’s pretty special.” 

Beyond Monumental said all 50 states and 40 countries worldwide will be represented in the race. Last year’s race brought in an estimated $11.1 million for the Indianapolis economy. 

The marathon begins at 8 a.m. Saturday and the 5K starts at 8:40 a.m. on South West Street outside the Indiana Convention Center. 

Traffic restrictions throughout the Indianapolis area begin as early as 5 a.m. Saturday.