Indianapolis, IN – Elite marathoner Alana Hadley, U.S. Half Marathon Age Group Record Holder for 14 and 15 year old females, has partnered with the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (IMM) to raise funds for the Autism Society of Indiana (ASI). Hadley, 17, is returning to the IMM for her second year in pursuit of both the course record of 2:39:22 (set last year by four time Olympian Colleen De Reuck) and the Olympic Trials ‘A’ Standard of 2:37:00.  Achieving these marks will gain her a $1000 bonus each that she has pledged to donate 25% of to the Autism Society of Indiana, which the IMM will match.

Hadley, who has a younger sister and cousin with Autism, is enthusiastic about the cause; “I am so excited to have this opportunity to help raise money for the Autism Society of Indiana and all the wonderful work they do.  I have always wanted to use my running as a way to help raise awareness and provide resources for those with autism […], It is an awesome chance for me to combine my two great passions, running and helping with autism.”

The Autism Society of Indiana (ASI) one of the largest state affiliates of the Autism Society of America. ASI provides frontline support or individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, across the entire lifespan, by connecting them with resources, peer-to-peer support and education tailored to their unique needs. ASI strives to create communities throughout the state in which people on the autism spectrum and their families are empowered, supported and fully embraced by their community. Chief Executive Ally, Dana Renay, is excited about the partnership:

“ASI is honored and thrilled to partner with the Monumental Marathon and Alana Hadley of Elite Marathoning this year. ASI is dedicated to encouraging individuals with autism to look into their heart and find their passion and then do something amazing. Alana is the perfect role model and the fact that she has chosen to raise awareness about autism and ASI in honor of her sister and of all people affected by autism in Indiana while doing something that she truly loves.  Through the partnership with Alana, we will not only connect with more people statewide but her generous financial support, and contributions by others joining the team to support her cause are what allows ASI to provide supports to families without charging them.  100% of the funds raised or ASI stay right here in Indiana.”

Hadley and the IMM will also raise funds via an “Ink The Cause” T-Shirt Campaign.  Ink The Cause is an Indianapolis based crowd fundraising platform built to provide a unique outlet to raise money by selling a custom designed t-shirt.  The shirts will cost $15.95, proceeds from which will go to support ASI.  They will be available online at www.inkthecause.com/goalana

 "Our organization was so inspired by Alana's gesture that we are excited to be able to match her donation,” says Blake Boldon, Executive Director of the IMM,  “We want to encourage those who are able to join us in supporting the Autism Society of Indiana by either purchasing a t-shirt, joining a team, or making a direct donation.” Information on joining Team ASI or forming your own team can be found at ASI’s homepage: www.autismsocietyofindiana.org

In last year’s IMM, Hadley placed 4^th and became the youngest Olympic Trials qualifier in 30 years by running under the ‘B’ standard of 2:43:00.  The B standard allows her entry to the trials, while the A standard will earn her funding support to attend.  She and her Coach/Father Mark Hadley will be featured speakers at the IMM Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, October 31^st at the Indianapolis Convention Center.  Read more about Alana at her blog Growing Up Fast.

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The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon (IMM) provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around our premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages (both runners and walkers.) The IMM 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. The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon was recently named one of the top nine marathons in the U.S. by Runners’ World and is scheduled for Nov. 1, 2014.